1. A protein produced by the fetus during pregnancy, used as a marker in prenatal screening and cancer diagnosis.
Usage: medical/scientific term; often used in the phrase 'alpha-fetoprotein' (AFP)

Examples

• Elevated fetoprotein levels during pregnancy may indicate certain fetal abnormalities.
• The doctor ordered a fetoprotein test as part of the prenatal screening.
• Alpha-fetoprotein is commonly measured in the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Fetoprotein levels can also be elevated in patients with liver cancer.
• The fetoprotein test helps identify pregnancies at higher risk for Down syndrome.