How Do You Spell OPSONIZE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒpsənˌa͡ɪz] (IPA)

Opsonize (/ˈɒpsənaɪz/) is a term used in immunology to describe the process of enhancing phagocytosis, which occurs when pathogens are marked for destruction by immune cells. The word is derived from the Greek word "opson", meaning "to prepare a feast". The spelling of "opsonize" is phonetically accurate, as the "s" between the vowels is pronounced as a "z". Proper pronunciation is essential to avoid confusion with similar sounding words, such as "oxidize" or "optionize".

OPSONIZE Meaning and Definition

1. Opsonize is a verb that refers to the process in which a substance, typically an antibody or complement protein, coats the surface of a pathogen or foreign particle, facilitating its recognition and uptake by immune cells. This opsonization process enhances the ability of immune cells, especially phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils, to effectively engulf and destroy the opsonized target.

   During opsonization, antibodies or complement proteins bind to specific epitopes on the surface of the pathogen or particle. This binding not only marks the target for recognition by immune cells but also triggers various immune responses that aid in the elimination of the invader. Opsonization enhances phagocytosis by promoting the attachment of immune cells to the opsonized particles through cell surface receptors, such as Fc receptors or complement receptors.

   Opsonization plays a crucial role in host defense against pathogens and other foreign substances. By facilitating the recognition and clearance of pathogens, opsonization contributes to the overall effectiveness of the immune response. Additionally, opsonization can help initiate and regulate subsequent immune responses, such as inflammation and activation of the complement system.

   In summary, opsonize refers to the process of coating pathogens or foreign particles with substances like antibodies or complement proteins, enhancing their recognition and uptake by immune cells for subsequent destruction and elimination.

2. To prepare for phagocytosis, noting the action of opsonins upon microorganisms.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPSONIZE

• opsoni
• ipsonize
• kpsonize
• lpsonize
• ppsonize
• 0psonize
• 9psonize
• oosonize
• olsonize
• o-sonize
• o0sonize
• opaonize
• opzonize
• opxonize
• opdonize
• opeonize
• opwonize
• opsinize
• opsknize
• opslnize
• opsonise
• oppsonize
• opsovist
• Oppsomize
• Opsoanize
• Oppsonise

Etymology of OPSONIZE

The word "opsonize" has its etymology rooted in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek verb "opsono" (ὀψώνομαι), meaning "I buy provisions" or "I prepare food". In ancient Greece, opson was used to refer to a condiment or seasoning that was added to food in order to enhance its flavor. Over time, the term "opsonize" was adopted in the field of immunology to describe the process of coating or preparing a cell or particle for phagocytosis (engulfment) by immune cells, thus making it more enticing or appetizing for the immune system.

Similar spelling words for OPSONIZE

• opposing,
• opsonin.

Conjugate verb Opsonize

CONDITIONAL

I would opsonize

you would opsonize

he/she/it would opsonize

we would opsonize

they would opsonize

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be opsonizing

you would be opsonizing

he/she/it would be opsonizing

we would be opsonizing

they would be opsonizing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have opsonize

you would have opsonize

he/she/it would have opsonize

we would have opsonize

they would have opsonize

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been opsonizing

you would have been opsonizing

he/she/it would have been opsonizing

we would have been opsonizing

they would have been opsonizing

FUTURE

I will opsonize

you will opsonize

he/she/it will opsonize

we will opsonize

they will opsonize

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be opsonizing

you will be opsonizing

he/she/it will be opsonizing

we will be opsonizing

they will be opsonizing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have opsonized

you will have opsonized

he/she/it will have opsonized

we will have opsonized

they will have opsonized

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been opsonizing

you will have been opsonizing

he/she/it will have been opsonizing

we will have been opsonizing

they will have been opsonizing

IMPERATIVE

you opsonize

we let´s opsonize

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to opsonize

PAST

I opsonized

you opsonized

he/she/it opsonized

we opsonized

they opsonized

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was opsonizing

you were opsonizing

he/she/it was opsonizing

we were opsonizing

they were opsonizing

PAST PARTICIPLE

opsonized

PAST PERFECT

I had opsonized

you had opsonized

he/she/it had opsonized

we had opsonized

they had opsonized

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been opsonizing

you had been opsonizing

he/she/it had been opsonizing

we had been opsonizing

they had been opsonizing

PRESENT

I opsonize

you opsonize

he/she/it opsonizes

we opsonize

they opsonize

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am opsonizing

you are opsonizing

he/she/it is opsonizing

we are opsonizing

they are opsonizing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

opsonizing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have opsonized

you have opsonized

he/she/it has opsonized

we have opsonized

they have opsonized

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been opsonizing

you have been opsonizing

he/she/it has been opsonizing

we have been opsonizing

they have been opsonizing