C-reactive protein

noun

C-re·​ac·​tive protein ˈsē-rē-ˈak-tiv- How to pronounce C-reactive protein (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for C-reactive protein

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of C-reactive protein was in 1952

Rhymes for C-reactive protein

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Browse Nearby Words

creachy
C-reactive protein
creagh
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Cite this Entry

“C-reactive protein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/C-reactive%20protein. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

C-reactive protein

noun
C-re·​ac·​tive protein ˌsē-rē-ˌak-tiv- How to pronounce C-reactive protein (audio)
: 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)
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