Definition

A sterile liquid made from proteins taken from bacteria that cause tuberculosis, used to test for the disease.

Example

The doctor used tuberculin to check if the patient had been exposed to tuberculosis.

Conversation

Have you heard about the tuberculin test for tuberculosis?

Yeah, I think it's used to check for exposure to the disease.

Right! It's interesting how they use proteins from the bacilli.

Absolutely, it's a crucial part of diagnosing TB.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tuberculin is derived from "tuberculum" (meaning small swelling or nodule) and the suffix "-in" (used to denote substances). The word refers to a substance derived from the tubercle bacillus, which causes tuberculosis, and is used in medical testing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tuberculum' meaning a small swelling, which helps you remember that 'tuberculin' is related to a substance derived from the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, often associated with nodules in the lungs.

Visually Confused Words