ferritin

noun

fer·​ri·​tin ˈfer-ə-tən 

: 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

Observational studies show an association between greater green tea consumption and lower circulating ferritin levels, a marker of iron storage levels. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025

And after moving to Colorado with her partner and setting up a medical appointment, a physician's assistant noticed her ferritin levels weren't rising, and referred her to a gynecologist. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025

Iron deficiency Heavy periods and vegetarianism can lead to low levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. —Shannon Lawlor, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025

Other nutrients that may play a role include ferritin, folate, and B12. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for ferritin

• keratin
• cytokeratin
• samaritan

Medical Definition

ferritin

noun

fer·​ri·​tin ˈfer-ət-ən 

: a crystalline iron-containing protein that functions in the storage of iron and is found especially in the liver and spleen compare hemosiderin