Hemol

/ˈhiːmɔl/ noun

Definition

A chemical substance or antibody that causes the breakdown of red blood cells.

Etymology

From hemo- (blood) + -ol (Greek -olē, oil or substance). This chemical term shortens hemolysin and was used in early 20th-century biochemistry to describe the active agent responsible for hemolysis.

Kelly Says

Hemol is the lazy nickname that scientists use when they're talking about hemolysins in shorthand—it's like calling someone 'the Boss' instead of using their full title.

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