Definition

A type of protein found in blood that helps to bind free hemoglobin, preventing iron loss in the urine.

Example

Haptoglobin levels can indicate certain health conditions when tested in the blood.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about haptoglobin?

Yeah, I think it has something to do with hemoglobin in blood, right?

Exactly! It helps prevent iron loss by binding to free hemoglobin.

That sounds really important for our health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Haptoglobin is formed from "hapto-" (from Greek "haptos", meaning to bind) and "globin" (from Latin "globina", meaning a protein or globular structure). The word refers to a protein that binds to hemoglobin in the blood, thus playing a role in its transport and metabolism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'binding' ('hapto-') to a 'globular protein' ('globin') — that's how haptoglobin helps in binding hemoglobin.

Visually Confused Words