antiserum

noun

an·​ti·​se·​rum ˈan-tē-ˌsir-əm How to pronounce antiserum (audio) ˈan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antiserum (audio)
-ˌser-
plural antisera ˈan-tē-ˌsir-ə How to pronounce antiserum (audio)
ˈan-ˌtī-,
-ˌser-
also antiserums
: blood serum that contains antibodies against an infective agent (such as a bacteria or virus) or toxic substance (such as snake venom) and may be used to prevent or treat infection or poisoning

Note: Antiserum is obtained from individuals who have produced antibodies following inoculation with an antigen or recovery from an infection. Antiserum may be monovalent (containing antibodies against a single type of antigen or pathogenic agent) or polyvalent (containing antibodies against two or more types of antigens or pathogenic agents).

compare antivenin, convalescent serum

Examples of antiserum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Typically, only a small percentage of artifacts produce positive blood residue results, indicating a match between the ancient residue and antiserum molecules from modern animals. Christopher R. Moore, Fortune, 17 June 2023 If that’s the case, blood could be drawn from the dog and antibodies that recognize the virus could be extracted as a product known as an antiserum. David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014 So, whereas a vaccine offers the advantage of long-term, active immunity, an antiserum provides immunity that is short-lived but immediately effective. David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014 There are hardly any producers of antiserum left, however. Kai Kupferschmidt, Science | AAAS, 17 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiserum was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near antiserum

Cite this Entry

“Antiserum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiserum. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

antiserum

noun
an·​ti·​se·​rum ˈant-i-ˌsir-əm How to pronounce antiserum (audio) ˈan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antiserum (audio)
: a serum that contains specific antibodies and is used to prevent or cure disease

Medical Definition

antiserum

noun
an·​ti·​se·​rum ˈant-i-ˌsir-əm How to pronounce antiserum (audio) ˈan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antiserum (audio)
-ˌser-
: a serum containing antibodies

called also immune serum

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