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in⋅ter⋅fer⋅on

[in-ter-feer-on]

–noun

1.	Biochemistry. any of various proteins, produced by virus-infected cells, that inhibit reproduction of the invading virus and induce resistance to further infection.

2.	Pharmacology. Also called alpha-interferon. an interferon produced by genetically engineered bacteria and harvested for use against hairy cell leukemia.

Origin:
1957; interfere + -on ¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Sponsored Links Cytokine Center
Recombinant cytokines, ELISPOT Kits ELISA Kits, related antibodies
www.cellsciences.com

Hepatitis C herbal remedy
Backed by over 267 clinical trials. Endorsed by over 200,000 doctors.
Herbal-Provider.com

Hepatitis C
Protect yourself from the dangers of fake remedies
www.rmkb.com/hepatitis/

in·ter·fer·on (ĭn'tər-fîr'ŏn') Pronunciation Key
n. Any of a group of glycoproteins that are produced by different cell types in response to various stimuli, such as exposure to a virus, bacterium, parasite, or other antigen, and that prevent viral replication in newly infected cells and, in some cases, modulate specific cellular functions.

[interfer(e) + -on³.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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interferon

1957, coined in Eng., so called because it "interferes" with the reduplication of viruses.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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interferon
noun
an antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus; inhibits replication of the virus

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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interferon (ĭn'tər-fîr'ŏn') Pronunciation Key
Any of a group of glycoproteins that are involved in blocking viral replication in newly infected cells and are cytokines that modulate the body's immune response. Alpha interferon is used a treatment for viral hepatitis and certain cancers, such as leukemia. Beta interferon is used as a treatment for some types of multiple sclerosis.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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interferon [(in-tuhr-feer-on)]

A protein produced by cells after they have been exposed to a virus. Interferon prevents the virus from reproducing within the infected cells and can also induce resistance to the virus in other cells.

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