serum

American  

[seer-uhm] / ˈsɪər əm /

noun

plural

serums, sera

1. the clear, pale-yellow liquid that separates from the clot in the coagulation of blood; blood serum.

2. immune serum.

3. any watery animal fluid.

4. the thin, clear part of the fluid of plants.

5. milk whey.

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serum British  

/ ˈsɪərəm /

noun

1. See blood serum

2. antitoxin obtained from the blood serum of immunized animals

3. physiol zoology clear watery fluid, esp that exuded by serous membranes

4. a less common word for whey

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serum Scientific  

/ sîr′əm /

plural

serums

1. See blood serum

2. Blood serum extracted from an animal that has immunity to a particular disease. The serum contains antibodies to one or more specific disease antigens, and when injected into humans or other animals, it can transfer immunity to those diseases.

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Other Word Forms

• serumal adjective

Etymology

Origin of serum

1655–65; < Latin: whey

Example Sentences

My cousin, who keeps urging me to add a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to my skincare regime.

From Literature

The investigation centres on "possible unfair commercial practices" linked to the premature use of adult cosmestics, including "encouraging the compulsive purchase of face masks, serums and anti-aging creams" to children under the age of 10.

From BBC

Detecting such a strong signal from just 1 milliliter of serum was unexpected.

From Science Daily

After confirming that the device could detect miR-21 in a controlled buffer solution, they tested it using human serum from lung cancer patients to simulate an actual blood test.

From Science Daily

Pitt espouses a concept of simplicity in his men’s skincare routine — a three-step ritual starting with cleansing, serum to target signs of aging and then cream to lock in moisture.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antibody