antigen

[ an-ti-juh n, -jen ]
/ ˈæn tɪ dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /

noun

Immunology. any substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies and combine specifically with them.
Pharmacology. any commercial substance that, when injected or absorbed into animal tissues, stimulates the production of antibodies.
antigens of a particular type collectively.

Origin of antigen

First recorded in 1905–10; anti(body) + -gen

OTHER WORDS FROM antigen

an·ti·gen·ic [an-ti-jen-ik] /ˌæn tɪˈdʒɛn ɪk/, adjective an·ti·gen·i·cal·ly, adverb an·ti·ge·nic·i·ty [an-ti-juh-nis-i-tee] /ˌæn tɪ dʒəˈnɪs ɪ ti/, noun

Words nearby antigen

antifriction bearing, antifriction metal, antifungal, antigalaxy, antigay, antigen, antigen excess, antigen unit, antigen-antibody reaction, antigen-presenting cell, antigenemia

Example sentences from the Web for antigenicity

British Dictionary definitions for antigenicity

antigen
/ (ˈæntɪdʒən, -ˌdʒɛn) /

noun

a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies

Derived forms of antigen

antigenic, adjective antigenically, adverb

Word Origin for antigen

C20: from anti ( body) + -gen

Medical definitions for antigenicity (1 of 2)

antigenicity
[ ăn′tĭ-jə-nĭs′ĭ-tē ]

n.

The capacity to induce an immune response.
The degree to which a substance induces an immune response. immunogenicity

Medical definitions for antigenicity (2 of 2)

antigen
[ ăn′tĭ-jən ]

n.

Any of various substances, including toxins, bacteria, and the cells of transplanted organs, that when introduced into the body stimulate the production of antibodies. allergen immunogen

Other words from antigen

an′ti•gen′ic (-jĕn′ĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for antigenicity

antigen
[ ăn′tĭ-jən ]

A substance that stimulates the production of an antibody when introduced into the body. Antigens include toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. Compare antibody. See Note at blood type.