Transferrin is a glycoprotein that is responsible for transporting iron in the body. It is also known by several other names, including siderophilin, serotransferrin, beta-1-metal-globulin, and TF. Siderophilin is derived from the Greek words for "iron-loving," while serotransferrin indicates its presence in blood serum. Beta-1-metal-globulin refers to the fact that the protein is a type of globulin that binds metals, and TF is simply an abbreviated form of the name transferrin. These synonyms may be useful for researchers and medical professionals who are studying iron metabolism or working with patients who have disorders related to transferrin.