immune system

noun

: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), macrophages, lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies

Examples of immune system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Is the clandestine virus constantly provoking the immune system, causing symptoms? Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Instead of performing its usual role fighting bacteria or viruses, the immune system attacks the body’s own clotting system. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Those who are pregnant, who previously experienced life-threatening allergies to the MMR vaccine or who have compromised immune systems due to disease or treatment should not be vaccinated. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 Analysis involves comparing the DNA of non-cancerous cells to those collected from tumors to determine which mutations might be recognized by the immune system. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 There are two main cell types in the adaptive immune system, T cells and B cells. Mira Cheng, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Zinc is a mineral that boosts the immune system, aids metabolic function, helps reduce inflammation, and maintains the senses of taste and smell. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 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 Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate many foods and primarily affect pregnant people and their newborns, adults age 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024

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

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immune system was circa 1919

Dictionary Entries Near immune system

Cite this Entry

“Immune system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20system. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

immune system

noun
: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, lymphocytes, and antibodies

Medical Definition

immune system

noun
: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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