a system of antigens found on human red blood cells, together with the corresponding antibodies of these antigens: inherited antigens determine major blood types (A, B, AB, O), which help determine compatibility for blood transfusions
See ABO system in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(āˌbē-ōˈ)
noun
A classification system for human blood that identifies four major blood types based on the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B, on red blood cells. The four blood types (A, B, AB, and O, in which O designates blood that lacks both antigens) are important in determining the compatibility of blood for transfusion.