Wassermann reaction

noun

Was·​ser·​mann reaction ˈwä-sər-mən-  ˈvä- 

: the complement-fixing reaction that occurs in a positive complement-fixation test for syphilis

Word History

Etymology

August von Wassermann

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Wassermann reaction

noun

: the complement-fixing reaction that occurs in a positive complement fixation test for syphilis using the serum of an infected individual