hapten

noun hap·ten \ˈhap-ˌten\

Definition of HAPTEN

: a small separable part of an antigen that reacts specifically with an antibody but is incapable of stimulating antibody production except in combination with a carrier protein molecule

— hap·ten·ic \hap-ˈte-nik\ adjective

Origin of HAPTEN

German, from Greek haptein to fasten

First Known Use: 1921

Rhymes with HAPTEN

again, amen, Ardennes, Big Ben, bull pen, Cayenne, Chosen, domaine, doyen, doyenne, Estienne, fen-phen, game hen, hang ten, Karen, La Tène, light pen, marsh hen, moorhen, peahen, pigpen, Phnom Penh, playpen, RN, Sheyenne, somewhen, Touraine, Turenne

Medical Dictionary

hapten

noun hap·ten \ˈhap-ˌten\

Medical Definition of HAPTEN

: a small separable part of an antigen that reacts specifically with an antibody but is incapable of stimulating antibody production except in combination with an associated protein molecule

—hap·ten·ic \hap-ˈten-ik\ adjective

—hap·ten·at·ed \ˈhap-tə-ˌnāt-əd\ adjective