Definition

A substance that triggers the body's immune response by stimulating the production of antibodies. This can include things like toxins, bacteria, or foreign cells.

Example

Vaccines often contain antigens to help the body build immunity against diseases.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new vaccine that targets a specific antigen?

Yeah, I read that it can help the body fight off infections more effectively.

It's amazing how science can identify the right antigen to stimulate our immune response.

Absolutely! I can't wait to see how it improves overall health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antigen is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "genes" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to a substance that induces an immune response, essentially something that the body recognizes as foreign or 'against' itself.

Memory Tip

Think of 'against' ('anti-') something that is 'produced by' the body ('genes') — that's why an antigen is something that the body reacts against.

Visually Confused Words