C-reactive protein

noun

C-re·​ac·​tive protein ˈsē-rē-ˈak-tiv- 

: a protein present in blood serum in various abnormal states (such as inflammation or neoplasia)

—abbreviation CRP

Word History

Etymology

C-polysaccharide, a polysaccharide found in the cell wall of pneumococci and precipitated by this protein, from carbohydrate

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

C-reactive protein

noun

C-re·​ac·​tive protein ˌsē-rē-ˌak-tiv- 

: a protein produced by the liver that is normally present in trace amounts in the blood serum but is elevated during episodes of acute inflammation (as those associated with neoplastic disease, chronic infection, or coronary artery disease)