Plural of antiserum; blood serums containing antibodies used to treat or prevent specific diseases by providing immediate immunity.
From anti- (against) + serum (Latin for blood or watery fluid). Developed in late 19th century medicine when scientists discovered blood could contain disease-fighting substances.
Antiserums were literally lifesavers in the 1890s-1900s before antibiotics existed—doctors would inject horse serum containing diphtheria antibodies into sick children, and it worked! The irony is that antiserums work immediately while vaccines take weeks, but they only last days.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.