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transferrin
noun
trans·fer·rin
tran(t)s-ˈfer-ən
: a beta globulin in blood plasma capable of combining with ferric ions and transporting iron in the body
Examples of transferrin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
High signs of transferrin may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024
After isolating the stem cells, they were placed in a bath of human blood plasma, insulin, and a solution containing iron and transferrin protein.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
Researchers must develop a human version of the antibody (our transferrin receptors are different from mice's).
—Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2011
The Genentech researchers engineered one of the arms to seize a receptor that normally snags transferrin.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2011
UConn also has commitments from Lee Molette, a 6-foot-3 all-around athlete from Brentwood, Tenn., and Tres Barbosa, a 295-pound lineman transferrin from Texas-El Paso, and Sokoya McDuffie, a defensive lineman from Old Dominion.
—Dom Amore, courant.com, 1 Feb. 2022
Her nasal drainage was later analyzed and tested positive for beta-2 transferrin, a marker that’s found almost exclusively in cerebrospinal (aka brain) fluid.
—Korin Miller, Health.com, 2 Oct. 2020
The organoid also pumped out standard human liver proteins, including albumin and transferrin.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 July 2017
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Word History
Etymology
trans- + Latin ferrum "iron" + -in entry 1 — more at farrier
Note: The term was first suggested by Carl G. Holmberg and C.-G. Laurell in "Nature of Serum Copper and its Relation to the Iron-binding Protein in Human Serum," Acta Chemica Scandinavica, vol. 1 (1947), p. 950.
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near transferrin
Cite this Entry
“Transferrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transferrin. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
transferrin
noun
trans·fer·rin
tran(t)s-ˈfer-ən
: a beta globulin in blood plasma capable of combining with ferric ions and transporting iron in the body
called also siderophilin
More from Merriam-Webster on transferrin
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about transferrin
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