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Meaning of fetoprotein in English:

fetoprotein

Pronunciation /ˌfiːtə(ʊ)ˈprəʊtiːn/

noun

(also foetoprotein)
Biochemistry

  • A protein present in fetal serum; specifically (more fully "alpha-fetoprotein") a glycoprotein which is the predominant serum protein of the fetus and can also be detected in amniotic fluid and maternal blood, in which an elevated level is associated ​with certain congenital abnormalities of the fetus, especially spina bifida and anencephaly; abbreviated AFP.

    Alpha-fetoprotein is also an oncofetal antigen, found at an elevated level in the blood of persons with certain cancers and other diseases, especially of the liver.

Origin

1960s. From fetus + -o- + protein, after Russian fetoprotein, itself after French foeto-protéine.