heat shock protein

noun

variants or heat-shock protein
ˈhēt-ˌshäk- How to pronounce heat shock protein (audio)
plural heat shock proteins or heat-shock proteins
: any of a group of molecular chaperones (see chaperone entry 1 sense 3) that are produced especially in cells subjected to stressful conditions (such as high temperature) and that serve to stabilize proteins and ensure proper assembly and folding of proteins

Examples of heat shock protein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Sims also argued that women tolerate heat better than men and can sit in a sauna, absorb the heat and trigger heat shock protein responses. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Women tolerate heat better than men and can sit in a sauna, absorb heat and vasodilate, triggering heat shock protein responses. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 Sims suggested women tolerate warmth better and can benefit from sauna sessions that trigger heat shock protein responses. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Our body releases hormones and activates heat shock proteins that protect our cells. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat shock protein

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat shock protein was in 1975

Rhymes for heat shock protein

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Browse Nearby Words

heat shield
heat shock protein
heat sink
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Cite this Entry

“Heat shock protein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20shock%20protein. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

heat shock protein

noun
variants or heat-shock protein
: any of a group of molecular chaperones that are produced especially in cells subjected to stressful conditions (such as high temperature or changes in pH) and that serve to stabilize proteins and ensure proper assembly and folding of proteins
Normally, heat-shock proteins protect other proteins inside a cell from being damaged by extreme heat or other stress.—Nathan Seppa, Science News
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