-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
interferon
noun
in·ter·fer·on
ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ˌän
ˌin-tə-
: any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoprotein cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by cells exposed usually to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (such as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals
Examples of interferon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, the inflammatory E3 group for the most part didn’t respond to treatment with interferons, commonly used disease-modifying therapies first approved for MS in 1993.
—
Isabella Cueto, STAT, 27 Mar. 2024
Sensing the fake virus, the cell responded by producing interferon lambda.
—
Annie Melchor, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2024
Blocking interferons in mice stopped serotonin levels from dropping.
—
Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023
Here’s the idea: Viral remnants prompt the immune system to produce infection-fighting proteins called interferons.
—
Pam Belluck, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for interferon ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-06-24--16-08-26-f2gnl/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interferon.' 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
interfere + -on entry 2
First Known Use
1957, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing interferon
Dictionary Entries Near interferon
Cite this Entry
“Interferon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interferon. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
interferon
noun
in·ter·fer·on
ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän
: any of a group of proteins produced by cells that keep viruses attacking the cells from multiplying
Medical Definition
interferon
noun
in·ter·fer·on
ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän
: any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoproteins of low molecular weight that are produced usually by cells exposed to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals, and that include some used medically as antiviral or antineoplastic agents see alpha interferon, beta interferon, gamma interferon
More from Merriam-Webster on interferon
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interferon
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share