[an-tuh-seer-uh
m] 
[-seer-uh] . | a serum containing antibodies, as antitoxins or agglutinins, obtained by inoculation of animals and used for injection into other animals to provide immunity to a specific disease. |
| an·ti·se·rum (ān'tĭ-sîr'əm) n. pl. an·ti·se·rums or an·ti·se·ra (-sîr'ə) Human or animal serum containing antibodies that are specific for one or more antigens. |
antiserum an·ti·se·rum (ān'tĭ-sēr'əm)
n.
A serum containing antibodies that are specific for one or more antigens. Also called immune serum.
| antiserum (ān'tĭ-sîr'əm) Pronunciation Key
Plural antiserums or antisera Human or animal serum containing one or more antibodies that are specific for one or more antigens and are administered to confer immunity. The antibodies in an antiserum result from previous immunization or exposure to an agent of disease. See also acquired immunity. |
antiserum
blood serum that contains specific antibodies against an infective organism or poisonous substance. Antiserums are produced in animals (e.g., horse, sheep, ox, rabbit) and man in response to infection, intoxication, or vaccination and may be used in another individual to confer immunity to a specific disease or to treat bites or stings of venomous animals. Antiserums from animals are most often used, but in persons allergic to animals, human antiserums have proved valuable. See also antibody; antitoxin; immunization; vaccine.
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