Definition
opsonises
verb
- to treat (a pathogenic microorganism) with opsonin, thereby making it more susceptible to phagocytosis
Usage: British spelling (American: opsonizes); medical/immunology term; third-person singular present tense
Examples
- The immune system opsonises bacteria to enhance their destruction by white blood cells.
- Antibodies opsonises pathogens by coating their surface.
- The serum opsonises the microorganisms in the laboratory culture.
- When the body opsonises invading cells, phagocytes can more easily recognize and eliminate them.