APC

1 of 2

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)pē-ˈsē 

: an armored vehicle used to transport military personnel

APC

2 of 2

abbreviation

1

activated protein C

Normally, a molecule called activated protein C, or APC, prevents clots from becoming too large by inactivating coagulation factor V.

—Jane E. Brody

2

antigen-presenting cell

In order to trigger helper T cells, exogenous protein antigens must be taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APC) and processed into peptides that bind to MHC class II molecules.

—Paola Panina-Bordignon et al.

Examples of APC in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

About 60 artists in total have pulled out of the festival, according to Austin for Palestine Coalition (APC), an organization that supports boycotting the festival. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2024

For both seasons, France Télévisions and SUPER RTL are coproducers and international sales are handled by APC Kids. —Martin Dale, Variety, 20 Jan. 2024

Boucheron Pearl Soap Bubble necklace in aluminum and 18-karat white gold set with diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and sapphire glass; APC Surchemise Etania denim shirt, $335. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 Dec. 2023

The family entertainment division of wider co-production/distribution house APC Studios, this year’s Investor/Distributor honoree boasts a strong catalogue of both animation and live-action kids fare. —Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Sep. 2023

This conceptually similar vehicle—based on the hull of the MT-LB tracked APC—was instead upgraded by Russia with newer Ataka missiles, and has seen substantial combat use in Ukraine by both sides. —Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 18 Aug. 2023

Throughout all of this shapeshifting, Holmes’s APC handbag remains a constant, slung over the shoulder like a bit of cloth on a trusty bindle stick. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2023

Claude-Alain Mayor, the secretary general for the Association for the Promotion of Chasselas (APC), confirmed that Laurel Ridge is the first American winery to medal at the competition. —Michael Alberty | , oregonlive, 11 Aug. 2023

The inaugural winner was Martin Margiela and subsequent Grand Prize alums include APC, Viktor & Rolf, Anthony Vaccarello, Iris Van Herpen, Ami, Coperni, Y/Project, Koché, Marine Serre, Bianca Saunders, and Botter. —Amy Verner, Vogue, 30 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

armored personnel carrier

First Known Use

Noun

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

APC

1 of 2 noun

ˌā-ˌpē-ˈsē 

: a tumor suppressor gene that in a defective form tends to be associated with a high risk of colorectal cancer

Germ-line APC mutations give rise to familial adenomatous polyposis, an inherited cancer-predisposition syndrome in which more than 100 adenomatous polyps can develop; in carriers of the mutant gene, the risk of colorectal cancer by the age of 40 years is almost 100%.

—Sanford D. Markowitz and Monica M. Bertagnolli, The New England Journal of Medicine

APC

2 of 2 abbreviation

1

activated protein C

Normally, a molecule called activated protein C, or APC, prevents clots from becoming too large by inactivating coagulation factor V.

—Jane E. Brody, The New York Times

2

antigen-presenting cell

When a T cell binds to such an APC, the T cell multiplies and launches an attack on cells that display the telltale protein-MHC complex—cells infected by a virus, foreign skin cells, or whatever.

—Sarah Richardson, Discover

3

aspirin, phenacetin, and caffeine

The now-banned ingredient phenacetin, once widely used in APC (aspirin-phenacetin-caffeine) tablets, was found to contribute heavily to kidney disease.

—Melva Weber, Vogue