opsonize

[ op-suh-nahyz ]
/ ˈɒp səˌnaɪz /

verb (used with object), op·so·nized, op·so·niz·ing. Immunology.

to increase the susceptibility of (bacteria) to ingestion by phagocytes.
Also especially British, op·so·nise.

Origin of opsonize

opson(in) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM opsonize

op·so·ni·za·tion, noun

Words nearby opsonize

opsonic, opsonic index, opsonify, opsonin, opsonization, opsonize, opsonocytophagic, opsonometry, opt, opt in, opt out

British Dictionary definitions for opsonization

opsonize

opsonise opsonify (ɒpˈsɒnɪˌfaɪ)

/ (ˈɒpsəˌnaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to subject (bacteria) to the action of opsonins

Derived forms of opsonize

opsonization, opsonisation or opsonification, noun

Medical definitions for opsonization (1 of 2)

opsonization
[ ŏp′sə-nĭ-zā′shən ]

n.

The process by which bacteria are altered by opsonins so as to become more readily and more efficiently engulfed by phagocytes.

Medical definitions for opsonization (2 of 2)

opsonize
[ ŏp′sə-nīz′ ]

v.

To make bacteria or other cells more susceptible to the action of phagocytes.