complement fixation

noun

: the process of binding serum complement to the product formed by the union of an antibody and the antigen for which it is specific that occurs when complement is added to a suitable mixture of such an antibody and antigen and that is the basis of some tests to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

complement fixation

noun

: the process of binding serum complement to the product formed by the union of an antibody and the antigen for which it is specific that occurs when complement is added to a mixture (in proper proportion) of such an antibody and antigen