op·so·nin ( p s -n n)n. An antibody or product of complement activation in blood serum that causes bacteria or other foreign cells to become more susceptible to the action of phagocytes. [Latin ops  n re, to buy provisions (from Greek opsnein, from opson, condiment, delicacy; see epi in Indo-European roots) + -in.] |
opsonin [ˈɒpsənɪn]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) a constituent of blood serum that renders invading bacteria more susceptible to ingestion by phagocytes in the serum
[from Greek opsōnion victuals]
opsonic [ɒpˈsɒnɪk] adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | opsonin - an antibody in blood serum that attaches to invading microorganisms and other antigens to make them more susceptible to the action of phagocytes blood serum, serum - an amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates antibody - any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune response |
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