alexin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific / Historical
Quick answer
What does “alexin” mean?
A defensive substance in blood serum that helps destroy bacteria.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A defensive substance in blood serum that helps destroy bacteria; an older term for what is now called 'complement' in immunology.
Historically, the term refers to a component of the immune system's nonspecific defense mechanism, involved in lysing foreign cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary difference in usage, as the term is equally obsolete in both scientific communities.
Connotations
Historical, outdated, refers to early 20th-century microbiology and immunology.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties; used only when citing historical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “alexin” in a Sentence
The [noun] acted as an alexin.Researchers observed the alexin's [effect].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alexin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alexic properties were studied.
- This is an alexic reaction.
American English
- The alexic properties were studied.
- This is an alexic reaction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical contexts within medical history or immunology.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Obsolete technical term; modern texts use 'complement system'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alexin”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alexin”
- Using it in modern scientific writing instead of 'complement'.
- Misspelling as 'alexine' or 'alexan'.
- Confusing it with 'antibody'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, unless you are reading historical scientific literature. The modern term is 'complement'.
Alexin (complement) is a group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies to clear pathogens. Antibodies are specific proteins produced by immune cells, while alexin/complement is part of the innate, non-specific immune response.
Only if you are deliberately using historical terminology or quoting an old source. For contemporary communication, always use 'complement' or 'complement system'.
The term 'complement' (from the Latin 'complere', to complete) was adopted because these proteins 'complement' the work of antibodies. This shift standardised terminology as the field of immunology matured and the system's complexity was better understood.
A defensive substance in blood serum that helps destroy bacteria.
Alexin is usually technical / scientific / historical in register.
Alexin: in British English it is pronounced /əˈlɛksɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈlɛksɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Alexin' defends like 'Alexander' the Great defended his empire — it's an old defender in the blood.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMUNE DEFENSE IS A MILITARY DEFENDER (an old guard).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the term 'alexin' today?