"A protein present in fetal serum; specifically (more fully alpha-fetoprotein) a glycoprotein which is the predominant serum protein of the fetus and can also be detected in amniotic fluid and maternal blood, in which an elevated level is associated with certain congenital abnormalities of the fetus, especially spina bifida and anencephaly; abbreviated AFP", 1960s. From fetus + -o- + protein, after Russian fetoprotein, itself after French foeto-protéine.[fetoprotein etymology, fetoprotein origin, 英语词源]