Main Entry: re·sis·tance

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s\

Function: noun

1 a : power or capacity to resist ; especially : the inherent ability of an organism to resist harmful influences (as disease, toxic agents, or infection) b : the capacity of a species or strain of microorganism to survive exposure to a toxic agent (as a drug) formerly effective against it due to genetic mutation and selection for and accumulation of genes conferring protection from the agent especially as a result of overuse of the agent which selectively destroys individual microorganisms lacking the protective genes
2 a : the opposition offered by a body to the passage through it of a steady electric current b : opposition or impediment to the flow of a fluid (as blood or respiratory gases) through one or more passages—see vascular resistance
3 : a psychological defense mechanism wherein a psychoanalysis patient rejects, denies, or otherwise opposes therapeutic efforts by the analyst