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

Examples of C-reactive protein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additional markers — uric acid, microalbuminuria and C-reactive protein (CRP) — can help assess metabolic and cardiovascular risk. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026

Additional markers that help assess metabolic and cardiovascular risk include uric acid, microalbuminuria and C-reactive protein. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Studies have shown that semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) leads to about a 40 percent reduction in the inflammation blood marker C-reactive protein—independent of weight loss. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026

Provides Anti-Inflammatory Effects Research indicates that the long-term use (8 weeks) of kefir was linked with decreases in inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, which impact heart health. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026

Inflammatory Markers To assess general inflammatory activity, standard laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) may be performed. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Also worrisome are proteins known as lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a); apolipoprotein B, or apoB; and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or hsCRP. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Mar. 2026

Decreases Inflammation in Your Body Anti-inflammatory foods and drinks may decrease inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). —Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Dec. 2025

However, accumulating evidence over the past two decades demonstrates that a biomarker called C-reactive protein – which signals the presence of low-grade inflammation – is a better predictor of risk for heart disease than cholesterol. —Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for C-reactive protein

• acetylcysteine
• antisubmarine
• dichlorobenzene
• dimethylamine
• diphenylamine
• ethanolamine
• hydroxylamine
• isobutylene
• isoleucine
• mercaptopurine
• methylcholanthrene
• norepinephrine

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)