Definition
noun, plural: albumins
(1) (biochemistry) The water-soluble protein found in egg white, blood, lymph, tissues and other fluids.
(2) The major plasma protein responsible for the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure. Its role is to transport protein carrying large organic anions (e.g. fatty acids, bilirubin, and many drugs), certain hormones (e.g. cortisol and thyroxine), when the specific binding globulins are saturated.
Supplement
The serum albumin is synthesized in the liver. Low serum levels occur in protein malnutrition, active inflammation and serious hepatic and renal disease.
Word origin: Latin albūmen, from albus, white
Variant: albumen
Dictionary > Albumin
