epitope
noun
epi·tope
| \ ˈe-pə-ˌtōp
\
\
Definition of epitope
: a molecular region on the surface of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response and of combining with the specific antibody produced by such a response
— called also determinant, antigenic determinant
Examples of epitope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The epitopes flagged the bacteria, triggering white cells and othe immune fighters to attack. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "New “Immunobiotic” Could Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs," 6 July 2018 A fragment of the chemical that gives rise to insulin, the peptide (known to chemists by the catchy moniker GSLQPLALEGSLQKRGIV) is called an epitope. — Melissa Healy, The Seattle Times, "Study finds immunotherapy may prevent Type 1 diabetes," 9 Aug. 2017 A fragment of the chemical that gives rise to insulin, the peptide (known to chemists by the catchy moniker GSLQPLALEGSLQKRGIV) is called an epitope. — Melissa Healy, latimes.com, "Immunotherapy succeeds in thwarting Type-1 diabetes in study," 9 Aug. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epitope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for epitope
epitope
noun
epi·tope
| \ ˈep-ə-ˌtōp
\
\
Medical Definition of epitope
: a molecular region on the surface of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response and of combining with the specific antibody produced by such a response
— called also determinant, antigenic determinant