histocompatibility
noun
his·to·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty
ˈhi-(ˌ)stō-kəm-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: a state of mutual tolerance that allows some tissues to be grafted effectively to others compare major histocompatibility complex
Examples of histocompatibility in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Scientists also mapped a region on chromosome 6 most genetically tied to Type 1 diabetes called the major histocompatibility complex, or MHC, with data from 29,000 people.
—
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Research into the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a cluster of genes central to immune function, has established that humans are unconsciously drawn to partners whose MHC profile differs from their own.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026
The analysis reveals an over-representation of the domestic cat's genes that are linked to immune function, such as the major histocompatibility complex, in the European wildcat's genome.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Our personal smells are tied to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that governs our immune system, says Pamela Dalton, a cognitive psychologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 14 June 2023
The transplant system and all of its interdependent components — donor families, donor hospitals, organ procurement organizations, transplant programs, histocompatibility laboratories, and others — must work together to equitably care for all patients waiting for organs.
—Richard N. Formica, STAT, 24 Apr. 2022
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Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Research into the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a cluster of genes central to immune function, has established that humans are unconsciously drawn to partners whose MHC profile differs from their own.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026
The analysis reveals an over-representation of the domestic cat's genes that are linked to immune function, such as the major histocompatibility complex, in the European wildcat's genome.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Our personal smells are tied to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that governs our immune system, says Pamela Dalton, a cognitive psychologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 14 June 2023
The transplant system and all of its interdependent components — donor families, donor hospitals, organ procurement organizations, transplant programs, histocompatibility laboratories, and others — must work together to equitably care for all patients waiting for organs.
—Richard N. Formica, STAT, 24 Apr. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Histocompatibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histocompatibility. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
histocompatibility
noun
his·to·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty
ˈhis-(ˌ)tō-kəm-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural histocompatibilities
often attributive
: a state of mutual tolerance between tissues that allows them to be grafted effectively see major histocompatibility complex
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