opsonize

[ op-suh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Immunology.

, op·so·nized, op·so·niz·ing.

1. to increase the susceptibility of (bacteria) to ingestion by phagocytes.

opsonize

/ ˈɒpsəˌnaɪz; ɒpˈsɒnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to subject (bacteria) to the action of opsonins

Derived Forms

• ˌopsoniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• opso·ni·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opsonize¹

opson(in) + -ize

Example Sentences

I am not now attempting to enumerate the well-recognised odours of animals such as are extracted from them by man in order to "opsonize" himself, but am pointing to the more obscure cases.

From Project Gutenberg