| sensitised cell | A cell, including a bacterial cell, that has combined with specific antibody to form a complex capable of reacting with complement components, a small, "committed," cell derived, by division and differentiation, from a transformed lymphocyte, a cell that has been either exposed to antigen or opsonised with antibodies and/or complement. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| sensitised culture | A live culture of an organism to which a specific antiserum is added; after the mixture is incubated for several minutes (during which the antibody in the serum combines with the organisms), the excess serum is removed by means of centrifugation, washing in physiologic saline solution, and recentrifugation; the sensitised organisms may then be resuspended in physiologic saline solution. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitiser | Synonym: antibody. 2. A substance that causes dermatitis only after alteration (sensitization) of the skin by previous exposure to that substance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitive | 1. Having sense of feeling; possessing or exhibiting the capacity of receiving impressions from external objects; as, a sensitive soul. 2. Having quick and acute sensibility, either to the action of external objects, or to impressions upon the mind and feelings; highly susceptible; easily and acutely affected. "She was too sensitive to abuse and calumny." (Macaulay) 3. <chemistry> Readily affected or changed by certain appropriate agents; as, silver chloride or bromide, when in contact with certain organic substances, is extremely sensitive to actinic rays. 4. Serving to affect the sense; sensible. "A sensitive love of some sensitive objects." (Hammond) 5. Of or pertaining to sensation; depending on sensation; as, sensitive motions; sensitive muscular motions excited by irritation. <botany> Sensitive fern A leguminous plant (Mimosa pudica, or M. Sensitiva, and other allied species), the leaves of which close at the slightest touch. Any plant showing motions after irritation, as the sensitive brier (Schrankia) of the Southern States, two common American species of Cassia (C. Nictitans, and C. Chamaecrista), a kind of sorrel (Oxalis sensitiva), etc. Sen"sitively, Sen"sitiveness. Origin: F. Sensitif. See Sense. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| sensitive species | <ecology, zoology> Species that can only survive within a narrow range of environmental conditions and whose disappearance from an area is an index of pollution or other environmental change. Those species which rely on specific habitat conditions that are limited in abundance, restricted in distribution, or are particularly sensitive to development. Plant or animal species which are endangered species, or candidate species, protected bird species under endangered species laws and regulations, plant protection laws and regulations, Fish and Game codes, or species of special concern listings and policies, or species recognised by national, state, or local environmental organisations. (18 Nov 1997) |
| sensitivity | <microscopy> Similar to responsively of an image pickup tube but numerically different. The signal current developed in an image pickup tube per unit incident radiation density (watt per unit area) or illuminance (lux on the faceplate). Unless otherwise specified, the radiation is understood to be that of an unfiltered incandescent source at 2854 or 2856[[macron]]K. (05 Aug 1998) |
| sensitivity and specificity | Measures for assessing the results of diagnostic and screening tests. Sensitivity represents the proportion of truly diseased persons in a screened population who are identified as being diseased by the test. It is a measure of the probability of correctly diagnosing a condition. Specificity is the proportion of truly nondiseased persons who are so identified by the screening test. It is a measure of the probability of correctly identifying a nondiseased person. (12 Dec 1998) |
| sensitivity training group | A group in which members seek to develop self-awareness and an understanding of group processes rather than to obtain therapy for an emotional disturbance. See: encounter group, personal growth laboratory. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitivity training groups | A group of people who meet in an unstructured setting to learn about themselves, interpersonal relationships, and group processes and about larger social systems. (12 Dec 1998) |
| sensitization | Immunization, especially with reference to antigens (immunogens) not associated with infection; the induction of acquired sensitivity or of allergy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitize | <photography> To render sensitive, or susceptible of being easily acted on by the actinic rays of the sun; as, sensitized paper or plate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| sensitizer | <photography> An agent that sensitizes. "The sensitizer should be poured on the middle of the sheet." ) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| sensitizing dose | In experimental anaphylaxis, the antigenic inoculum that renders an animal susceptible (sensitive) to anaphylactic shock following a subsequent inoculum (shocking dose) of the same antigen (anaphylactogen). (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitizing injection | An injection that sensitises a person so that subsequent exposure to the antigen (allergen) evokes an allergic response. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitizing substance | Antibody that combines with and sensitises antigen leading to the activation of complement, which may result in cell lysis. Synonym: CF antibody, sensitizing substance. (05 Mar 2000) |