serum Definition
- 1an amber-colored, protein-rich liquid that separates out when blood coagulates
- 2a watery fluid from animal or plant tissue
Using serum: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "serum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The serum is used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
Example
The doctor ordered a blood test to check for the presence of certain serums.
Example
The plant's serum was found to have medicinal properties.
Example
The serum was extracted from the animal's tissue.
serum Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with serum
serum sickness
a type of hypersensitivity reaction that occurs in response to certain medications or serums
Example
She developed serum sickness after receiving a vaccine.
Example
The patient's serum albumin levels were low, indicating malnutrition.
the amount of cholesterol present in the blood serum
Example
High serum cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease.
Origins of serum
from Latin 'serum', meaning 'whey'
Summary: serum in Brief
The term 'serum' [ˈsɪərəm] refers to a protein-rich liquid that separates from blood when it coagulates, or a watery fluid from animal or plant tissue. It is used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, and can be extracted from tissues. Phrases like 'serum sickness' denote a hypersensitivity reaction to certain medications or serums, while 'serum albumin' refers to a protein found in blood plasma that helps regulate osmotic pressure.