transferrin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Very specialisedTechnical / Scientific / Medical
Quick answer
What does “transferrin” mean?
A glycoprotein in the blood plasma that binds to and transports iron.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A glycoprotein in the blood plasma that binds to and transports iron.
A biomarker used in medical diagnostics to assess iron metabolism, iron-deficiency anemia, and liver function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond the strict technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, used exclusively in medical and biochemical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “transferrin” in a Sentence
The patient's [NOUN] was low.Transferrin binds [NOUN (iron)].A test for [NOUN] was ordered.Levels of [NOUN] indicate...The [ADJ (saturated)] transferrin.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transferrin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The transferrin assay results are pending.
- Abnormal transferrin levels require investigation.
American English
- The transferrin saturation test was ordered.
- Her transferrin receptor count was elevated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biomedical research papers, biochemistry, and physiology textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used; a patient might encounter it in a medical report.
Technical
Core term in clinical pathology, hematology, and laboratory medicine for diagnosing iron disorders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transferrin”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transferrin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transferrin”
- Misspelling as 'transferrine' (French-influenced).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to transferrin the iron' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'transform' or 'transfer' in speech due to similar sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Transferrin is the protein that carries iron; iron is the mineral being transported.
It is primarily synthesized in the liver.
Yes. High transferrin levels are often seen in iron deficiency anemia, as the body produces more of it in an attempt to capture available iron.
It's a calculated percentage that shows how much of the available transferrin is actually carrying iron. Low saturation suggests iron deficiency.
A glycoprotein in the blood plasma that binds to and transports iron.
Transferrin is usually technical / scientific / medical in register.
Transferrin: in British English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɛrɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɛrɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRANSFERRIN = TRANSFERS IRON. It's the protein that ferries iron around your blood.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COURIER or TAXI for iron ions in the bloodstream.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of transferrin?