opsonin

American  

[op-suh-nin] / ˈɒp sə nɪn /

noun

Immunology.

1. a constituent of normal or immune blood serum that makes invading bacteria more susceptible to the destructive action of the phagocytes.

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opsonin British  

/ ɒpˈsɒnɪk, ˈɒpsənɪn /

noun

1. a constituent of blood serum that renders invading bacteria more susceptible to ingestion by phagocytes in the serum

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Other Word Forms

• opsonic adjective
• opsonoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of opsonin

1900–05; < Latin opsōn ( ium ) victuals (< Greek opsōnía, derivative of opsōneîn to buy provisions) + -in ²

Example Sentences

A clathrin coating enhances phagocytosis, whereas opsonin reverses the process of phagocytosis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The "opsonin," or "relish," is something exuded into or produced in the blood fluid when the attacking microbe arrives.

From More Science From an Easy Chair by Lankester, E. Ray (Edwin Ray), Sir

The opsonin is simple rot, as any capable surgeon can tell you; but we're all delighted to see your personal qualities officially recognized.

From The Doctor's Dilemma by Shaw, Bernard

But outside myself and the handful of men I am training at St Anne's, there is nobody as yet who has mastered the opsonin treatment.

From The Doctor's Dilemma by Shaw, Bernard

B. B. Our friend Ridgeon will be gratified to hear that I have tried his opsonin treatment on little Prince Henry with complete success.

From The Doctor's Dilemma by Shaw, Bernard