Wassermann

Other forms: Wassermanns

Definitions of Wassermann
  1. noun
    German bacteriologist who developed a diagnostic test for syphilis (1866-1925)
    synonyms: August von Wassermann
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    example of:
    bacteriologist
    a biologist who studies bacteria
  2. noun
    a blood test to detect syphilis; a complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies to the syphilis organism treponema; a positive reaction indicates the presence of antibodies and therefore syphilis infection
    synonyms: Wasserman reaction, Wassermann test
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    type of:
    complement fixation test
    a blood test in which a sample of serum is exposed to a particular antigen and complement in order to determine whether or not antibodies to that particular antigen are present; used as a diagnostic test
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