immunocompetence

noun

im·​mu·​no·​com·​pe·​tence ˌi-myə-nō-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce immunocompetence (audio)
i-ˌmyü-nō-
: the capacity for a normal immune response
immunocompetent adjective

Examples of immunocompetence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This selects for lower resistance in males, ultimately leading to the counterintuitive situation where males with higher susceptibility or exposure to infection than females evolve lower immunocompetence... Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2010

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

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + competence

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immunocompetence was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near immunocompetence

Cite this Entry

“Immunocompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunocompetence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

immunocompetence

noun
im·​mu·​no·​com·​pe·​tence -ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce immunocompetence (audio)
: the capacity for a normal immune response
altered the immunocompetence of the lymphocytes
immunocompetent adjective
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