haemolysin

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Word: Haemolysin

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Haemolysin is any substance that can cause the destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the release of their hemoglobin. In simpler terms, it's something that can break down red blood cells in our body.

Usage Instructions:

• Haemolysin is a technical term often used in biology and medicine. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation. You might encounter it in scientific texts or discussions about blood and diseases.

Example:

• "Some bacteria produce haemolysin, which can lead to the breakdown of red blood cells and cause anemia."

Advanced Usage:

• In a medical research context, you might see haemolysins being studied for their effects on certain diseases or their potential use in treatments.

Word Variants:

• Haemolytic (adjective): Related to or causing the destruction of red blood cells. For example, "Haemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made."
• Haemolysis (noun): The process of breaking down red blood cells. For example, "Haemolysis can occur due to various factors, including infections."

Different Meanings:

• While "haemolysin" specifically refers to substances that cause lysis of red blood cells, "lysis" itself can refer to the breakdown of any type of cell, not just red blood cells.

Synonyms:

• Hemolysin (American English spelling)
• In a broader sense, you might refer to substances that cause cell destruction as "cytotoxins."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "haemolysin," as it is a specialized term. However, in medical contexts, you might hear phrases like "break down" or "destroy cells."

Summary:

Haemolysin is a scientific term that refers to substances that can break down red blood cells in the body. It is mostly used in medical discussions and research, particularly related to infections and blood diseases.

Academic

Noun

1. any substance that can cause lysis (destruction) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and the release of their hemoglobin

Synonyms

• hemolysin
• erythrolysin
• erythrocytolysin