reagin

noun

re·​agin rē-ˈā-jən 

-gən

1

: a substance in the blood of persons with syphilis responsible for positive serological reactions for syphilis

2

: an antibody (such as IgE in humans) that mediates hypersensitive allergic reactions of rapid onset

reaginic

ˌrē-ə-ˈji-nik 

-ˈgi-

adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from reagent

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

reagin

noun

re·​agin rē-ˈā-jən  -gən 

1

: a substance that is in the blood of individuals with syphilis and is responsible for positive serological reactions for syphilis

2

: an antibody (as IgE in humans) that mediates hypersensitive allergic reactions of rapid onset

reaginic

ˌrē-ə-ˈjin-ik  -ˈgin- 

adjective