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

The World Health Organization defines low ferritin in adults as below 15 nanograms per milliliter, but in clinical practice, iron deficiency may be diagnosed when ferritin is below 30 nanograms per milliliter. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024

Iron deficiency anemia is associated with low ferritin levels. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

The body can store some iron temporarily in the form of a protein called ferritin, but if the levels dip too low for too long, so does the hemoglobin in red blood cells, resulting in anemia. —Lourdes Medrano, NPR, 15 Sep. 2024

The ferritin test is a blood test that measures ferritin levels in the bloodstream. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

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

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