Definition

A substance that causes the body to produce a specific type of antibody, known as a precipitin, which helps in the immune response.

Example

The scientist studied the effects of the precipitinogen on the immune system.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of precipitinogen?

No, I haven't! What is it?

It's an antigen that makes your body produce a specific response.

That sounds interesting! I love learning about biology.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Precipitinogen is formed from "prae-" (meaning before) and "capere" (meaning to seize or take) combined with "-in" (a suffix used in biochemistry to denote substances). The word refers to a substance that can cause precipitation, particularly in the context of antibodies and antigens.

Memory Tip

Think of a substance that 'seizes' or 'takes' something 'before' it precipitates — that's what precipitinogen does.

Visually Confused Words