immunodeficiency

noun

im·​mu·​no·​de·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌi-myə-nō-di-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce immunodeficiency (audio)
i-ˌmyü-nō-
: inability to produce a normal complement of antibodies or immunologically sensitized T cells especially in response to specific antigens
immunodeficient adjective

Examples of immunodeficiency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Domestic cats have the potential to transmit a variety of diseases to native felines, such as feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Chase’s health has also been impacted by his positive diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS in cats, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Makiya Seminera, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024 Primary immunodeficiency diseases Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs)—also commonly known as inborn errors of immunity—are rare genetic disorders that cause at least one part of a person’s immune system to malfunction, according to the NIH. Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 10 Mar. 2023 Kesha Monica Schipper/Getty Images In June, Kesha exclusively revealed to SELF that she had been diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), a primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) that puts her at risk of developing recurrent—and potentially serious—infections. Kayla Blanton, SELF, 21 Sep. 2023 Certain conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, common variable immunodeficiency, or spleen removal can also leave people vulnerable to repeat infections. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2023 Immune disorders include both immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 30 June 2023 Blind, 3-Legged 'Sweet' and 'Friendly' Kitten Finds Forever Home on National Kitten Day Smokey might do best as an only cat since he hasn't been observed with other cats in an indoor environment and is positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). David Chiu, Peoplemag, 19 July 2023 In 2001, Megan Ryan, 46, was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), one of the most common types of primary immunodeficiency diseases, or PIDDs, which are rare genetic disorders that impact a person’s ability to fight infections. Korin Miller, SELF, 23 June 2023

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

immuno- + deficiency

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immunodeficiency was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near immunodeficiency

Cite this Entry

“Immunodeficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunodeficiency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

immunodeficiency

noun
im·​mu·​no·​de·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌim-yə-(ˌ)nō-də-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce immunodeficiency (audio)
(ˌ)im-ˈyü-nō-
: inability to produce the normal number of antibodies or T cells capable of acting in an immune system

Medical Definition

immunodeficiency

noun
im·​mu·​no·​de·​fi·​cien·​cy -di-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce immunodeficiency (audio)
plural immunodeficiencies
: inability to produce a normal complement of antibodies or immunologically sensitized T cells especially in response to specific antigens see aids
immunodeficient adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on immunodeficiency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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