adjuvant

n.

1. A pharmacological agent added to a drug to increase or aid its effect.
2. An immunological agent that increases the antigenic response.

[From Latin adiuvāns, adiuvant-, present participle of adiuvāre, to help. See aid.]

(aj′əvənt)
n

In a prescription, an auxiliary active ingredient that supports the action of the basic drug. See also basis.

1. assisting or aiding.
2. a substance that aids another, such as an auxiliary remedy. Commonly used in reference to substances, commonly mineral oil or alum, added to vaccines to enhance antigenicity. See also freund's complete adjuvant.

[F. fr. L]  /AH juh vant/
1) serving to aid or contribute : auxiliary
2) assisting in the prevention, amelioration, or cure of disease

IN BRIEF: n. - An additive that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment adj. - Enhancing the action of a medical treatment; Furnishing added support.

Tutor's tip: In the military, an "adjutant" is an assistant to the commanding officer. An "adjuvant" is a substance added to a drug to increase it's effectiveness.

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