opsonin

noun

op·​so·​nin ˈäp-sə-nən How to pronounce opsonin (audio)
: any of various proteins (such as antibodies or complement) that bind to foreign particles and cells (such as bacteria) making them more susceptible to the action of phagocytes

Word History

Etymology

Latin opsonare to buy provisions, cater (from Greek opsōnein) + English -in entry 1 — more at oligopsony

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opsonin was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near opsonin

Cite this Entry

“Opsonin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opsonin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

opsonin

noun
op·​so·​nin ˈäp-sə-nən How to pronounce opsonin (audio)
: any of various proteins (as complement or antibodies) that bind to foreign particles and microorganisms (as bacteria) making them more susceptible to the action of phagocytes

More from Merriam-Webster on opsonin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!