histocompatibility

noun

his·​to·​com·​pat·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˈhi-(ˌ)stō-kəm-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce histocompatibility (audio)
: 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 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 Then, these peptides must be carried to the antigen presenting cell’s surface by major histocompatibility complexes (MHC). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2022 While that statistic might not enhance the mood, the special sharing is thought to be helpful in sampling the partner’s histocompatibility genes involved in immune response. Alexander C. Kafka, Washington Post, 16 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'histocompatibility.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of histocompatibility was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near histocompatibility

Cite this Entry

“Histocompatibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histocompatibility. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

histocompatibility

noun
his·​to·​com·​pat·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˈhis-(ˌ)tō-kəm-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce histocompatibility (audio)
plural histocompatibilities
often attributive
: a state of mutual tolerance between tissues that allows them to be grafted effectively see major histocompatibility complex
histocompatible adjective
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