How to pronounce interferon
Say it like in-ter-FIR-on. Interferon has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce interferon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ter
- FIR
- on
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Interferon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- onGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of interferon
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: in-tuh-FIH-on.
What does interferon mean?
- Any of a group of glycoproteins, produced by the immune system, that prevent viral replication in infected cells.
Where does interferon come from?
From interfere + -on (suffix: chemical compound), from its role interfering with viral replication.
Questions about saying interferon
How do you pronounce interferon?
Say in-ter-FIR-on. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪntərˈfɪˌrɑn/. In British English it is /ˌɪntəˈfɪˌɒn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in interferon?
Interferon has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FIR). Broken into parts: in · ter · FIR · on.
Is interferon pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌɪntəˈfɪˌɒn/ (in-tuh-FIH-on).