Main Entry: hap·ten

Pronunciation: \ˈhap-ˌten\

Function: noun

: a small separable part of an antigen that reacts specifically with an antibody but is incapable of stimulating antibody production except in combination with an associated protein molecule

—hap·ten·ic \hap-ˈten-ik\ adjective

—hap·ten·at·ed \ˈhap-tə-ˌnāt-əd\ adjective