membrane attack complex

noun

A structure, typically formed on the surface of a pathogen cell membrane as a result of the activation of the host's complement system, creating transmembrane channels that disrupt the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis and death.

Similar
MACterminal complement complexTCC
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Meanings

nounmembrane attack complex (plural membrane attack complexes)

plural membrane attack complexes

  1. immunologyA structure, typically formed on the surface of a pathogen cell membrane as a result of the activation of the host's complement system, creating transmembrane channels that disrupt the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis and death.

    Synonyms: MAC, terminal complement complex, TCC

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA structure, typically formed on the surface of a pathogen cell membrane as a result of the activation of the host's complement system, creating transmembrane channels that disrupt the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis and death.

Similar
MACterminal complement complexTCC

Translations

Hungarian membránkárosító komplex
  • membránkárosító komplexstructure formed on the surface of a pathogen cell membrane
Cite this entry
APA

membrane attack complex. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/membrane%20attack%20complex

MLA

“membrane attack complex.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/membrane%20attack%20complex. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “membrane attack complex,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/membrane%20attack%20complex.

Source: membrane attack complex on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.