Definition

1. Noun:
   • The coalescing of small particles suspended in a solution: The process where fine particles clump together to form larger masses, which then typically settle out of the solution.
   • The building of words from component morphemes: In linguistics, a process of word formation where morphemes (the smallest units of meaning) are combined, with each morpheme retaining its original form and meaning.
   • A clumping of bacteria or red blood cells: In biology and medicine, the clustering together of cells (like bacteria or erythrocytes) when they are bound by specific antibodies called agglutinins.

Usage Examples

• Chemistry/Physics:
  • The agglutination of clay particles in the water made it cloudy.
  • Agglutination is an important step in many water purification processes.
• Linguistics:
  • Turkish is a language known for its use of agglutination to form complex words.
  • The word "unhappiness" is formed by agglutination in English, combining the morphemes "un-", "happy", and "-ness".
• Biology/Medicine:
  • A positive blood type test is indicated by the agglutination of red cells.
  • The lab test detected the infection by observing the agglutination of the bacterial sample.

Advanced Usage

• Agglutination Test: A diagnostic procedure that uses the clumping of cells or particles to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens.
  • The Widal test is an agglutination test used for diagnosing typhoid fever.
• Agglutinative Language: A language type characterized primarily by the use of agglutination in its morphology.
  • Finnish, Japanese, and Swahili are examples of agglutinative languages.

Variants and Related Words

• Agglutinate (verb): To cause to adhere, as if with glue; to undergo or cause agglutination.
  • The antibodies will agglutinate the foreign cells.
• Agglutinative (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by agglutination.
  • Agglutinative morphology is a key feature of the language family.
• Agglutinin (noun): A substance, especially an antibody, that causes agglutination of cells.
  • Cold agglutinins can cause red blood cells to clump at low temperatures.

Synonyms

• Clumping: The action or process of forming into a clustered mass.
• Coalescence: The process of coming together to form one mass or whole.
• Aggregation: The formation of a number of things into a cluster.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Hemagglutination: The specific agglutination of red blood cells.
  • The influenza virus causes hemagglutination.
• Latex Agglutination Test: A common clinical test using latex beads coated with antigen or antibody to detect specific substances.
  • The rapid strep test is a type of latex agglutination test.

Noun

1. the coalescing of small particles that are suspended in solution; these larger masses are then (usually) precipitated
2. the building of words from component morphemes that retain their form and meaning in the process of combining
3. a clumping of bacteria or red cells when held together by antibodies (agglutinins)