lipoprotein(a)

[ lip-uh-proh-teen-ey, ‑tee-in-ey, lahy-puh‑ ]

noun

1. a plasma lipoprotein containing protein and cholesterol, high levels of which are associated with atherosclerosis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lipoprotein(a)¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; lipoprotein ( def ) + (a), signifying a classification of proteins in serum protein electrophoresis

Example Sentences

Low-density lipoprotein, a type of cholesterol, is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol because it’s linked to higher risk of heart disease.

From Seattle Times

Q: You probably saved my life with your article about lipoprotein a.

From Seattle Times

What, everyone wondered, could this lipoprotein, a known risk factor for heart disease, possibly have to do with Alzheimer's?

From Time Magazine Archive

The vegetarians, it turned out, had higher blood levels of lipoprotein "a," one of whose components is LDL, the bad stuff.

From Time Magazine Archive