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

But for many people, trying to analyse the ingredients list on a bottle of moisturiser, cleanser or serum can be overwhelming.

From BBC

After years of being mistakenly linked to high serum cholesterol, eggs were rolled out to the public as a “healthy” food by the FDA External link in December 2024 External link.

From Barron's

People invest significant time and effort into keeping their skin looking young through masks, creams and serums.

From Science Daily

South Korean serums are better-suited for her skin compared to some Western brands that tend to be more harsh, the 27-year-old graphic designer says.

From BBC

The watchdog also found the advert's suggestion that the magnesium in the drink could reduce serum cortisol levels breached the code.

From BBC

Related Words

• antibody