Agglutinin

/əˈɡluːtənɪn/ noun

Definition

A protein or antibody that causes cells or particles to stick together and clump.

Etymology

From agglutinate + -in (chemical noun suffix). Creates a specific term for the biological molecule responsible for agglutination.

Kelly Says

Blood type incompatibility is deadly because of agglutinins—if you get the wrong blood type, the agglutinins in the recipient's plasma instantly recognize the donor cells as foreign and make them clump up, blocking blood vessels and causing organ failure.

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