Dictionary
alpha–fetoprotein
noun al·pha–fe·to·pro·tein \ˌal-fə-ˌfē-tō-ˈprō-ˌtēn, -ˈprō-tē-ən\
Definition of ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN
: a fetal blood protein present abnormally in adults with some cancers (as of the liver) and normally in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women with high or low levels tending to be associated with certain birth defects (as spina bifida or Down syndrome)
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First Known Use of ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN
1968
Medical Dictionary
alpha–fetoprotein
noun
Medical Definition of ALPHA–FETOPROTEIN
: a fetal blood protein present abnormally in adults with some forms of cancer (as of the liver) and normally in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women but with very low levels tending to be associated with Down syndrome in the fetus and very high levels with neural tube defects (as spina bifida) in which the tube remains open
Variants of ALPHA–FETOPROTEIN
alpha–fetoprotein or α–fetoprotein or chiefly British alpha–foetoprotein or α–foetoprotein
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