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tumor necrosis factor
noun
: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins and that mediates inflammation and induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells
Examples of tumor necrosis factor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These include nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024
Unlike some traditional ulcerative colitis therapies like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, Skyrizi is less likely to cause severe side effects.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 28 June 2024
The second is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023
High levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor inhibit the natural rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle, Wirth says.
—Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 18 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for tumor necrosis factor
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tumor necrosis factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1975, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of tumor necrosis factor was
in 1975
Dictionary Entries Near tumor necrosis factor
Cite this Entry
“Tumor necrosis factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumor%20necrosis%20factor. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Medical Definition
tumor necrosis factor
noun
: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins, that mediates inflammation, and that induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells
—abbreviation TNF
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