Cytokine
/ˈsaɪtəˌkaɪn/noun
A small signaling protein released by cells that affects the behavior of other cells.
Did you know?The term was coined in the 1970s from Greek roots meaning “cell” and “movement,” because these proteins were understood as messengers that could change how cells behave.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kŷtos
“a hollow vessel; later, a cell”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kīnētós
“moving; in motion”
1970s
English
cytokine
“a term coined for cell-signaling proteins”
Modern English
English
cytokine
“a small protein that acts as a chemical messenger between cells”