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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 26 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share