Hemagglutinin

/ˌhɛməˈɡluːtənɪn/ noun

Definition

A substance, often a protein found on viruses or bacteria, that causes red blood cells to clump together.

Etymology

From 'hemagglutinate' + '-in' (suffix for proteins and chemical compounds). Named for its primary function of agglutinating blood cells.

Kelly Says

The flu virus is famous for its hemagglutinin—scientists name flu strains like 'H1N1' where the 'H' stands for hemagglutinin type, and this one protein is what makes the virus so good at invading your cells!

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