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hapten definition

hap·ten (hap′ten′)

noun

a compound which, when coupled with a protein or other molecule, can cause the formation of antibodies
also haptene hap′·tene′ (hap′tēn′)

Etymology: Ger < Gr haptein, to fasten, touch + Ger -en, -ene

Related Forms:

  • haptenic hap·ten′ic (hap ten′ik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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