serum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the clear, pale fluid that remains after blood has clotted and blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed

   The laboratory tested the patient's serum for antibodies.

2. 2
   noun

   serum containing antibodies, used in diagnosis, research, or treatment to provide passive immunity

   The clinic administered an antitoxin serum after the exposure.

3. 3
   noun

   a light skin-care preparation containing a concentrated active ingredient

   She applied a vitamin C serum before moisturizer.

Common collocations

• blood serum Noun + noun

Borrowed from Latin serum, 'whey.' Scientists applied the word to the clear liquid that separates from clotted blood because it resembles the watery portion of milk. Medical compounds such as antiserum preserve that biological sense.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images