antiserum
noun
an·ti·se·rum
ˈan-tē-ˌsir-əm 
ˈan-ˌtī-
ˈan-ˌtī-
-ˌser-
plural antisera
ˈan-tē-ˌsir-ə
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 serumExamples of antiserum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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
Dictionary Entries Near antiserum
Cite this Entry
“Antiserum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiserum. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antiserum
noun
an·ti·se·rum
ˈant-i-ˌsir-əm
ˈan-ˌtī-
ˈan-ˌtī-
: 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
ˈan-ˌtī-
ˈan-ˌtī-
-ˌser-
: a serum containing antibodies
called also immune serum
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