antiserum

noun

an·​ti·​se·​rum ˈan-tē-ˌsir-əm  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 serum

Examples 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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antiserum

noun

an·​ti·​se·​rum ˈant-i-ˌsir-əm  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- 

-ˌser-

: a serum containing antibodies

called also immune serum