HLA

noun \ ˌāch-(ˌ)el-ˈā \

Definition of HLA

1 : the major histocompatibility complex in humans

2 : a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of HLA —often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele

Origin and Etymology of hla

human leukocyte antigen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1968

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

HLA

noun

variants: also HL-A play \ˌā-(ˌ)chel-ˈā\

medical Definition of HLA

1 : the major histocompatibility complex in humans

2 : a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of the major histocompatibility complex in humans —often used attributively

HLA antigens

HLA typing

—often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele