cross-re·ac·tion
ˌkrȯs-rē-ˈak-shən 
: reaction of one antigen with antibodies developed against another antigen
cross-re·ac·tiv·i·ty
: the capability of undergoing cross-reaction
cross-react
intransitive verb
cross-reactive
adjective
Examples of cross-reaction in a Sentence
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Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
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Noun
However, officials fear that a cross-reaction of both influenza viruses in the body can cause bird flu to mutate to spread more easily or cause serious illness.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Cross-reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-reaction. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cross-reaction
noun
cross-re·ac·tion
ˌkrȯs-rē-ˈak-shən
: reaction of one antigen with antibodies developed against another antigen
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