-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
transferrin
noun
trans·fer·rin
tran(t)s-ˈfer-ən
: a beta globulin in blood plasma capable of combining with ferric ions and transporting iron in the body
Examples of transferrin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
High signs of transferrin may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024
After isolating the stem cells, they were placed in a bath of human blood plasma, insulin, and a solution containing iron and transferrin protein.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
Researchers must develop a human version of the antibody (our transferrin receptors are different from mice's).
—Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2011
The Genentech researchers engineered one of the arms to seize a receptor that normally snags transferrin.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2011
UConn also has commitments from Lee Molette, a 6-foot-3 all-around athlete from Brentwood, Tenn., and Tres Barbosa, a 295-pound lineman transferrin from Texas-El Paso, and Sokoya McDuffie, a defensive lineman from Old Dominion.
—Dom Amore, courant.com, 1 Feb. 2022
Her nasal drainage was later analyzed and tested positive for beta-2 transferrin, a marker that’s found almost exclusively in cerebrospinal (aka brain) fluid.
—Korin Miller, Health.com, 2 Oct. 2020
The organoid also pumped out standard human liver proteins, including albumin and transferrin.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 July 2017
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
trans- + Latin ferrum "iron" + -in entry 1 — more at farrier
Note: The term was first suggested by Carl G. Holmberg and C.-G. Laurell in "Nature of Serum Copper and its Relation to the Iron-binding Protein in Human Serum," Acta Chemica Scandinavica, vol. 1 (1947), p. 950.
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near transferrin
Cite this Entry
“Transferrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transferrin. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
transferrin
noun
trans·fer·rin
tran(t)s-ˈfer-ən
: a beta globulin in blood plasma capable of combining with ferric ions and transporting iron in the body
called also siderophilin
More from Merriam-Webster on transferrin
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about transferrin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share