serous

[ seer-uhs ]

adjective

1. resembling serum; of a watery nature.
2. containing or secreting serum.
3. of, relating to, or characterized by serum.

serous

/ sɪˈrɒsɪtɪ; ˈsɪərəs /

adjective

1. of, resembling, producing, or containing serum

Derived Forms

• serosity, noun

Other Words From

• se·ros·i·ty [si-, ros, -i-tee], serous·ness noun
• non·serous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of serous¹

1585–95; < Medieval Latin serōsus; serum, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of serous¹

C16: from Latin serōsus, from serum

Example Sentences

The IMF noted that the world economy still faces serous risks.

From Seattle Times

The amber alert "requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups", but is one stage lower than the most serous level four red warning issued in last month's heatwave.

From BBC

"The message is a serous threat," a top Al-Manar correspondent said on Twitter.

From Reuters

Diagnosed in 2013 with serous papillary uterine cancer, a rare and aggressive variety, I went through the full “cut poison burn” treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

From Washington Post

“We know that people 65 and older are at much greater risk of serous illness and death from this disease — they need equal access to tools that can help keep them safe.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• colorless
• damp
• moist
• runny