Definition

A type of antibody that reacts with a specific soluble substance to create a solid mass or precipitate.

Example

The laboratory used a precipitin test to identify the presence of the specific antigen in the sample.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a precipitin?

I think so, but I'm not entirely sure what it does.

It's actually an antibody that forms a reaction with antigens.

Oh, that’s interesting! I didn’t know antibodies could do that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Precipitin is derived from "praecipitare" (meaning to throw down) and the suffix "-in" (used to form names of proteins or substances). The word refers to a substance that causes precipitation, or the act of throwing down particles from a solution.

Memory Tip

Think of 'throwing down' ('praecipitare') particles in a solution — that's what precipitin does.

Visually Confused Words