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Antigen: meaning, definitions and examples

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antigen

 

[ หˆรฆntษชdส’ษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological term

An antigen is a substance that elicits an immune response in the body. It can be a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, or a foreign substance, like pollen or food. Antigens typically provoke the production of antibodies, which specifically target and neutralize them. Each antigen has distinct molecular characteristics that allow the immune system to recognize and remember them.

Synonyms

immunogen, marker

Examples of usage

  • The vaccine contains a harmless version of the antigen.
  • Exposure to the antigen triggered a strong immune response.
  • The lab tested for specific antigens related to the disease.

Translations

Translations of the word "antigen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น antรญgeno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเค‚เคŸเฅ€เคœเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Antigen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ antigen

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะฝั‚ะธะณะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ antygen

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŠ—ๅŽŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท antigรจne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ antรญgeno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท antijen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•ญ์›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณุชุถุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ antigen

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ antigรฉn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŠ—ๅŽŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ antigen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ antigen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะฝั‚ะธะณะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜แƒ’แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ antigen

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ antรญgeno

Word origin

The term 'antigen' originated in the early 20th century, derived from combining 'anti-' meaning 'against', and 'gen' from 'generator', referring to a substance that generates an immune response. The usage of the term became more widespread with the advancement of immunology as scientists began to understand how the immune system identifies and responds to foreign substances in the body. The concept of antigens helped to shape modern vaccine development, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies in medicine. Over the decades, a more nuanced understanding of various types of antigens, including haptens and superantigens, has evolved, further informing both research and clinical practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,528 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.