serum sickness

noun

, Pathology.

1. a generalized allergic reaction to a foreign serum or drug, characterized by fever, skin rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and painful joints.

serum sickness

noun

1. an allergic reaction, such as vomiting, skin rash, etc, that sometimes follows 2-3 weeks after an injection of a foreign serum

Word History and Origins

Origin of serum sickness¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

It has been stated that newly-prepared serum is particularly apt to produce serum sickness when used for immunizing purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

This has led to a routine for serum injection by graduated doses, which has been successful in averting serum sickness.

From Project Gutenberg