autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases
autoimmunity noun
autoimmunization noun

Did you know?

Any healthy body produces a variety of antibodies, proteins in the blood whose job is to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The cells and organs that deal with such infections make up the immune system. In some people and animals, for various reasons, the antibodies become overactive and turn on the body's healthy tissues as well; the result is an autoimmune disease—an immune response directed against one's own self. More than eighty autoimmune diseases have been identified, the best-known being type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Examples of autoimmune in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 32-year-old former state worker lives with an autoimmune disorder that prevents his body from properly regulating its internal temperature. Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 Lupus is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Amanda Gardner, Health, 21 Mar. 2024 Susana is a 63-year-old former nurse who was forced to retire when intense back pain and autoimmune vasculitis — inflammation in the blood vessels — began to impact her quality of life. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 People who are allergic to ragweed and those with autoimmune diseases should be cautious about using echinacea. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 Children who have had organ transplants, those who have HIV or kids who are being treated for cancer or autoimmune diseases could be among those who cannot get a vaccine. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 In autoimmune and other diseases, cells that should not die do, and vice versa: Cells that should die don’t. Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 The segment marked the actress’ first time talking about the autoimmune disease on TV since she was diagnosed in 2021. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 Treatments for hair loss caused by autoimmune diseases Autoimmune diseases essentially trick your immune system into attacking healthy body tissue by mistake. Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autoimmune.' 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

auto- + immune, after autoimmunity, borrowed from French auto-immunité

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autoimmune was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near autoimmune

Cite this Entry

“Autoimmune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoimmune. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

autoimmune

adjective
au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯt-ō-im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: relating to or caused by an abnormal condition in which an organism's immune system attacks and destroys parts of its own cells or tissues
multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease

Medical Definition

autoimmune

adjective
au·​to·​im·​mune -im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases

More from Merriam-Webster on autoimmune

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!