anaphylactin
|an-a-phy-lac-tin|
/ˌænəfəˈlæk.tɪn/
substance causing allergic reaction
Etymology
'anaphylactin' originates from 'anaphylaxis' (from Greek 'ana-' meaning 'against' and 'phylaxis' meaning 'protection') combined with the suffix '-in' used for proteins or substances.
'anaphylactin' was formed in the early 20th century as scientists studied the mechanisms of allergic reactions, combining 'anaphylaxis' with '-in' to denote a substance involved in the process.
Initially, it referred specifically to a hypothesized substance causing anaphylactic shock, and it still retains this meaning in scientific contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance in the blood that is believed to be responsible for producing anaphylactic reactions (severe allergic responses) when an individual is exposed to an allergen.
Researchers studied the role of anaphylactin in allergic reactions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/29 19:21