immune serum
Noun: - A blood-derived substance containing antibodies: "immune serum" refers to a component of blood, specifically the liquid portion (serum) that contains antibodies against a particular disease or pathogen. It is obtained from an animal or human that has been immunized (made immune) against that disease, and it is used to provide temporary protection or treatment to another individual.
- (The serum, containing antibodies, was given to provide immediate protection.)
- (The serum was derived from immunized animals.)
- (The serum was a historical treatment for this bacterial infection.)
"to be treated with immune serum": to receive a medical therapy involving the injection of antibodies.
- The snakebite victim was treated with immune serum specific to the venom. (The patient received antibodies against the snake's poison.)
"immune serum globulin": a more precise term for the antibody-rich fraction of immune serum, often used in modern medicine.
- Immune serum globulin is administered to people with weakened immune systems. (This concentrated antibody preparation helps fight infections.)
Antiserum (n): a synonym for immune serum, especially one produced for a specific disease.
- The antiserum for rabies must be given promptly after a bite. (This is another term for immune serum used against rabies.)
Immunoglobulin (n): a protein that acts as an antibody; the active component in immune serum.
- Immunoglobulin therapy involves injecting these antibodies to boost immunity. (This is the scientific name for the antibodies in immune serum.)
- Antibody serum: a serum containing antibodies.
- Hyperimmune serum: a type of immune serum with a very high concentration of antibodies, often produced by repeated immunizations.