protein S

noun

: a vitamin K-dependent, anticoagulant glycoprotein that acts chiefly in enhancing the ability of protein C to inactivate factor V and factor VIII

Note: A deficiency of protein S is associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis.

compare s protein

Word History

Etymology

from Seattle, Washington, location of the University of Washington, where the protein was first isolated and characterized

Note: The name protein S was introduced in Richard D. Di Scipio, et al., "A Comparison of Human Prothrombin, Factor IX (Christmas Factor), Factor X (Stuart Factor), and Protein S," Biochemistry, vol. 16, no. 4 (February 22, 1977), p. 698: "The new protein was arbitrarily called protein S in reference to its isolation and characterization in Seattle. When its function is discovered, a more appropriate name can be assigned to this plasma protein."

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protein S was in 1977

Dictionary Entries Near protein S

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Cite this Entry

“Protein S.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protein%20S. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

protein S

noun
: a vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant glycoprotein that acts chiefly in enhancing the ability of protein C to inactivate factor V and factor VIII

Note: A deficiency of protein S is associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis.

compare s protein
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