passive immunity

noun

: short-acting immunity acquired by transfer of antibodies (as by injection of gamma globulin) compare active immunity

passive immunization noun

Examples of passive immunity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Antibodies also have several significant clinical applications, including detecting previous infections, supporting passive immunity, treating autoimmune diseases, and aiding in diagnostic approaches. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

Pfizer also announced last November that its maternal RSV vaccine—intended for administration during pregnancy so that maternal antibodies provide passive immunity—is 82 percent effective against severe RSV in newborns for up to three months and 69 percent effective through six months. —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2023

One short-term but potentially lifesaving strategy that has not yet been mentioned in the show involves passive immunity. —David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for passive immunity

• autoimmunity
• importunity
• opportunity
• community
• disunity
• impunity
• munity
• unity

Kids Definition

passive immunity

noun

: temporary immunity acquired by transfer (as by injection) of antibodies especially from an individual with active immunity

Medical Definition

passive immunity

noun

: short-acting immunity acquired by transfer of antibodies (as by injection of gamma globulin) compare acquired immunity, active immunity, innate immunity

passive immunization noun