antigen
noun
Did you know?
An antibody is a protein produced by your immune system to fight outside invaders. Since the enemy substance actually triggers the production of antibodies, such substances are called antigens—anti- being short for antibody, and -gen meaning "producer". (In a similar way, an allergen produces an allergy, and a pathogen produces a pathology or disease.) Antigens are often rodlike structures that stick out from the surface of an invading organism—usually a bacterium or a virus—and allow it to attach itself to cells in the invaded body. But unfortunately for them, in doing so they let the immune system know they're present, and the body is flooded with an army of Pac-Man-like antibodies.
Examples of antigen in a Sentence
Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 June 2024
These drugs were designed to bind a receptor protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells, known as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
—Elie Dolgin, Ars Technica, 21 June 2024
The macrophage eats the virus, creating antigens that kick-start T-cells, which then activate B-cells to help white blood cells attack the cold virus.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 11 June 2024
In addition to the major blood types, there are hundreds of antigens for red blood cells, some of which are unique to racial and ethnic groups.
—Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antigen 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antigen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near antigen
Cite this Entry
“Antigen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antigen. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antigen
noun
Medical Definition
antigen
noun
Share