immune system

noun

: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), macrophages, lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies

Examples of immune system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But certain sugars that sit on the outside of every pig cell immediately alert the human immune system that the pig part doesn't belong. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 In essence, its lead therapy for autoimmune disorders targets the B-cells that are causing an overreaction of the immune system, which translates to symptoms. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Measles cripples the immune system, allowing other pathogens easier entry into the body. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Your immune system jumps into action to react to the vaccine where it was injected: your arm. Korin Miller, Health, 19 Mar. 2024 The training reduces stress, improves sleep, bolsters the immune system, and increases energy, focus and willpower, according to Hof. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 Their further tests found that the hyper-vaccination also didn’t affect his immune system’s response to other pathogens, leading them to determine that his immune system hasn’t been damaged by all the vaccines. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The medication stimulates hair growth by quieting part of the immune system. Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024 Is the clandestine virus constantly provoking the immune system, causing symptoms? Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'immune system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immune system was circa 1919

Dictionary Entries Near immune system

Cite this Entry

“Immune system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20system. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

immune system

noun
: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, lymphocytes, and antibodies

Medical Definition

immune system

noun
: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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