opsonization

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Word: Opsonization

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Opsonization is a biological process that makes invading microorganisms, like bacteria, easier for certain immune cells to recognize and destroy. In simpler terms, it's like putting a "flag" on germs so that the body's defense cells (called phagocytes) can find and eat them more easily.

Usage Instructions:

• Opsonization is a technical term mostly used in biology and medicine. It's not commonly used in everyday conversation, so it's best to use it when discussing topics related to the immune system or microbiology.

Example Sentence:

• "The process of opsonization helps the immune system to clear infections by marking pathogens for destruction."

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced discussions, you might hear about "opsonins," which are the molecules that help in the opsonization process. These can include antibodies or complement proteins that attach to the surface of the microorganisms.

Word Variants:

• Opsonin (noun): The substance that promotes opsonization, making microorganisms recognizable to phagocytes.
• Opsonized (adjective): Describes microorganisms that have been marked for destruction through opsonization.

Different Meaning:

• Opsonization is specific to the immune response and does not have other meanings outside of this biological context.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for opsonization, but related terms include:
  • Immune marking
  • Pathogen tagging

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no idioms or phrasal verbs associated with opsonization, as it is a specific scientific term.

Summary:

Opsonization is an important process in the immune response that helps the body fight off infections by marking harmful microorganisms so they can be more easily eliminated.

Academic

Noun

1. process whereby opsonins make an invading microorganism more susceptible to phagocytosis

Synonyms

• opsonisation