How Do You Spell OPSONOPHILIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒpsənəfˈɪlɪk] (IPA)

Opsonophilic is a complex medical term, used to describe the affinity of antibodies to bind to bacteria and other foreign particles in the body. This term is pronounced as /ɒpsənəʊˈfɪlɪk/ or "op-suh-noh-fil-ik" in IPA phonetic transcription. In this word, the "o" sounds like the "o" in "lot," the "ph" sounds like an "f," and the stress is on the second syllable. Mastering the phonetic transcription of medical terms can help healthcare professionals communicate more effectively and provide optimal care to their patients.

OPSONOPHILIC Meaning and Definition

1. Opsonophilic is an adjective that refers to the property or tendency of certain antibodies or cells to readily bind to and enhance the phagocytosis (ingestion) of foreign particles or microorganisms by white blood cells called phagocytes. The term is derived from the Greek words "opson" which means "to prepare a meal" and "philein" which means "to love" or "to have an affinity for."

   In immunology, opsonophagocytosis is a key mechanism of the immune system's defense against pathogens. Opsonophilic antibodies, such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), attach to the surface of foreign substances, marking them for destruction. This signal attracts phagocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, which have specific receptors capable of recognizing and binding to the marked particles, leading to their ingestion and subsequent elimination.

   The opsonophilic process not only facilitates the recognition of pathogens but also enhances their efficient clearance from the body, reducing the risk of infection and promoting immune defense. This mechanism is crucial in coordinating the immune response, as it assists in both the identification and removal of harmful agents. Additionally, opsonophagocytosis plays a vital role in antigen presentation, which is essential for the activation of other immune cells and the development of a specific immune response.

   Overall, the term opsonophilic describes the affinity of certain antibodies or cells to enhance phagocytosis and promote the efficient clearance of foreign particles or microorganisms, crucial for a robust immune response.

2. Marked by opsonophilia.

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

Common Misspellings for OPSONOPHILIC

• ipsonophilic
• kpsonophilic
• lpsonophilic
• ppsonophilic
• 0psonophilic
• 9psonophilic
• oosonophilic
• olsonophilic
• o-sonophilic
• o0sonophilic
• opaonophilic
• opzonophilic
• opxonophilic
• opdonophilic
• opeonophilic
• opwonophilic
• opsinophilic
• opsknophilic
• opslnophilic
• opspnophilic

Etymology of OPSONOPHILIC

The term "opsonophilic" is formed by the combination of two words: "opsono" and "philic".

The word "opsono" is derived from the Greek word "opsōnion", which refers to the relishes or flavorings added to food to enhance palatability. In Greek cuisine, "opsōn" served as a seasoning to make the otherwise bland or unappetizing food more appealing.

The suffix "-philic" is derived from the Greek word "philos", meaning love or affinity for. It is commonly used in scientific terminology to denote an attraction or strong affinity towards a particular substance, organism, or condition.

Therefore, "opsonophilic" is a term that describes an affinity or attraction towards opsonins.