ferritin

noun

fer·​ri·​tin ˈfer-ə-tən How to pronounce ferritin (audio)
: a crystalline iron-containing protein that functions in the storage of iron and is found especially in the liver and spleen

Examples of ferritin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers engineered an ion channel protein with a protein nanobody that sticks to a natural iron-trapping protein called ferritin. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 To determine someone’s iron count, labs look at the concentration of ferritin — the protein that stores iron — in their blood. Lourdes Medrano, NPR, 15 Sep. 2024 Research has demonstrated that low levels of ferritin cause a disruption in dopamine activity. Kate Harrington, The Conversation, 25 July 2024 Having adequate iron in one’s body, stored in the protein ferritin, is important to create dopamine and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters that are lacking in ADHD. Kate Harrington, The Conversation, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ferritin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ferritin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, alteration of ferratin, iron-containing protein, from Latin ferratus bound with iron (from ferrum) + International Scientific Vocabulary -in

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferritin was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near ferritin

Cite this Entry

“Ferritin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferritin. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

ferritin

noun
fer·​ri·​tin ˈfer-ət-ən How to pronounce ferritin (audio)
: a crystalline iron-containing protein that functions in the storage of iron and is found especially in the liver and spleen compare hemosiderin

More from Merriam-Webster on ferritin

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