The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. A laboratory technique that makes use of the binding between an antigen and its homologous antibody in order to identify and quantify the specific antigen or antibody in a sample.
n. A test for the presence of a substance using the reaction of an antibody to its antigen, making use of the high selectivity of components of biological immune systems.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. identification of a substance (especially a protein) by its action as an antigen
Word Usage
"For about $80, you can get an EIA (or enzyme immunoassay), which determines whether your blood contains antibodies to hepatitis C. Doctors normally confirm a positive test result with a second antibody test called RIBA."