Hemagglutinate

/ˌhɛməˈɡluːtɪneɪt/ verb

Definition

To cause red blood cells to clump together or stick to each other in a clot-like mass.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + Latin 'glutinare' (to glue together). The term literally means 'to glue blood cells together,' describing the clumping process.

Kelly Says

Your immune system uses hemagglutination as a defense tactic—when viruses or bacteria try to invade, antibodies glue your blood cells together to trap the invaders and prevent them from spreading!

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