wassermann

(noun) German bacteriologist who developed a diagnostic test for syphilis (1866-1925). Synonyms: Wassermann, August von Wassermann.

(noun) a blood test to detect syphilis; a complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies to the syphilis organism treponema; a positive reaction indicates the presence of antibodies and therefore syphilis infection. Synonyms: Wassermann test, Wasserman reaction, Wassermann.