alexin
|a-lex-in|
C2
/əˈlɛksɪn/
protective blood substance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'alexin' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alexein,' where 'alex-' meant 'to ward off' or 'to protect.'
Historical Evolution
'alexein' transformed into the French word 'alexine,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alexin.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to protect or ward off,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a protective substance in the blood.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance in the blood serum that is capable of destroying bacteria and other foreign cells; also known as complement.
The alexin in the serum helps to fight off infections.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/19 00:36