Definition

Noun 1. A diagnostic blood test for syphilis: The Wassermann is a specific complement fixation test used to detect antibodies to the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. A positive result indicates the presence of these antibodies and, therefore, a syphilis infection. 2. August von Wassermann (1866–1925): A German bacteriologist and immunologist who co-developed the aforementioned diagnostic test for syphilis.

Usage Examples

• As a medical test:
  • The doctor ordered a Wassermann to confirm the diagnosis.
  • A positive Wassermann result requires immediate treatment.
• Referring to the person:
  • The Wassermann test is named after August von Wassermann.
  • Wassermann's work in immunology was groundbreaking.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used historically or in specific medical contexts. In modern clinical practice, more advanced and specific treponemal tests (like FTA-ABS or TP-PA) and non-treponemal tests (like RPR or VDRL) are commonly used, though the principle is similar.
• It can be used metonymically to refer to syphilis testing in general, especially in historical or literary contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Wassermann reaction: Another name for the Wassermann test, emphasizing the immunological reaction observed.
• Wassermann antibody: An antibody detected by the Wassermann test.

Synonyms

• For the test: Syphilis serology, STS (Serologic Test for Syphilis).
• For the person: August von Wassermann.

Notes on Meaning

The word has two distinct but related meanings: 1. The primary modern usage refers to the medical diagnostic procedure. 2. The secondary usage refers to the historical figure who pioneered it. The context usually makes the intended meaning clear.

Noun

1. a blood test to detect syphilis; a complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies to the syphilis organism treponema; a positive reaction indicates the presence of antibodies and therefore syphilis infection
2. German bacteriologist who developed a diagnostic test for syphilis (1866-1925)