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.
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