vitellogenin

noun

vi·​tel·​lo·​gen·​in vī-ˌte-lō-ˈje-nən 

: a precursor protein of egg yolk normally in the blood or hemolymph only of females that is used as a biomarker in vertebrates of exposure to environmental estrogens which stimulate elevated levels in males as well as females

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers found high levels of vitellogenin—a protein involved in producing egg yolk—in many smallmouth bass. —National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016

Word History

Etymology

probably from vitellogenesis + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above