opsonin

[ op-suh-nin ]

noun

, Immunology.

1. a constituent of normal or immune blood serum that makes invading bacteria more susceptible to the destructive action of the phagocytes.

opsonin

/ ɒpˈsɒnɪk; ˈɒpsənɪn /

noun

1. a constituent of blood serum that renders invading bacteria more susceptible to ingestion by phagocytes in the serum

Derived Forms

• opsonic, adjective

Other Words From

• opso·noid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of opsonin¹

1900–05; < Latin opsōn ( ium ) victuals (< Greek opsōnía, derivative of opsōneîn to buy provisions) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of opsonin¹

C20: from Greek opsōnion victuals

Example Sentences

They appear to be more or less specific, a separate opsonin being necessary for phagocytosis of each species of bacteria.

From Project Gutenberg

Opsonin is what you butter the disease germs with to make your white blood corpuscles eat them.

From Project Gutenberg

The "opsonin," or "relish," is something exuded into or produced in the blood fluid when the attacking microbe arrives.

From Project Gutenberg

Wright proposed for these bodies the name opsonin, derived from a Greek word signifying to prepare a meal for.

From Project Gutenberg

In the case of diphtheria, the antitoxin appears to be more efficacious than an opsonin.

From Project Gutenberg