antitoxin
UK[ˌæntiˈtɒksɪn]US[ˌæntiˈtɑːksɪn]
n
a substance, often an antibody, that acts against a specific toxin in the body, neutralizing its effects.
n
an antiserum containing such antibodies, used to treat or provide temporary protection against a specific disease.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
toxin
anti
against
toxin
poison
Etymology
the word antitoxin is a modern scientific compound formed from two classical greek elements. the prefix anti, derived from greek anti meaning "against, opposite", has been a productive prefix in english since the 16th century. the base word toxin comes from greek toxikon, originally referring to a poison for arrows, from toxon meaning "bow". the compound was formed in the late 19th century within the field of immunology, following the discovery that blood serum could contain specific substances that counteracted bacterial poisons. the logic is perfectly transparent: a substance (anti-) that works against a poison (toxin).
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + toxin (poison)
anti is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "against, opposite". toxin is a noun of Greek origin meaning "poison".
Examples
the doctor administered an antitoxin to counteract the effects of the snake venom.
diphtheria antitoxin was a crucial development in preventing fatalities from the disease.
the body can produce its own antitoxins in response to certain infections.