Antigen Definition
-jēn
antigens
noun
A substance that when introduced into the body stimulates the production of an antibody. Antigens include toxins, bacteria, foreign blood cells, and the cells of transplanted organs.
American Heritage
A protein, toxin, or other substance of high molecular weight, to which the body reacts by producing antibodies.
Webster's New World
A molecule that is capable of binding to an antibody or to an antigen receptor on a T cell, especially one that induces an immune response. An antigen is usually a foreign substance, such as a toxin or a component of a virus, bacterium, or parasite.
American Heritage Medicine
The definition of antigen is a harmful substance which enters the body which causes the body to make antibodies as a response to fight off disease.
An example of an antigen is a common cold virus which causes the body to make antibodies which help prevent the person from getting sick.
YourDictionary
(immunology) A substance that induces an immune response, usually foreign.
Wiktionary
Advertisement
Other Word Forms of Antigen
Noun
Singular:
antigen
Plural:
antigensOrigin of Antigen
-
From French antigène, from anti- + gène.
From Wiktionary
Related Articles
Advertisement
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to antigen using the buttons below.