reagin
[ree-ey-jin, -gin]
- Also called Wassermann antibody. an antibody formed in response to syphilis and reactive with cardiolipin in various blood tests for the disease.
- an antibody found in certain human allergies, as hay fever and asthma.
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Origin of reagin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
reagin
- immunol a type of antibody that is formed against an allergen and is attached to the cells of a tissue. The antigen–antibody reaction that occurs on subsequent contact with the allergen causes tissue damage, leading to the release of histamine and other substances responsible for an allergic reaction
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Word Origin for reagin
C20: from German reagieren to react + -in
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
reagin
(rē-ā′jĭn)- An antibody found in the blood of individuals having a genetic predisposition to allergies such as asthma and hay fever.
- A substance present in the blood of individuals having a positive serological test for syphilis.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.