immune system

noun

Anatomy.

a diffuse, complex network of interacting cells, cell products, and cell-forming tissues that protects the body from pathogens and other foreign substances, destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris: the system includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and lymph tissue, stem cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and lymphokines.

immune system

The body system in humans and other animals that protects the organism by distinguishing foreign tissue and neutralizing potentially pathogenic organisms or substances. The immune system includes organs such as the skin and mucous membranes, which provide an external barrier to infection, cells involved in the immune response, such as lymphocytes, and cell products such as lymphokines.
See also autoimmune disease

immune system

The system in the body that works to ward off infection and disease. Central to this system are the white blood cells . Some white blood cells produce antibodies in response to specific antigens that may invade the body; others function as scavengers to fight infection by destroying bacteria and removing dead cells.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of immune system¹

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Some of these disease-causing bugs may be so old, human immune systems are totally naïve to them, which means unleashing them could infect millions, maybe even trigger another pandemic.

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It's only been used on food allergies in the last 20 years, and mostly in children whose immune systems are still developing.

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The tea features traditional Moroccan lemon verbena, best known for its “alluring floral-lemony scent, flavor, and many health-giving properties, including the support of the immune system and healthy digestion,” per the tea’s description.

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He’s undergoing a second round of chemotherapy and receiving white blood cell injections to aid his immune system.

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The needle-free injection boosts the immune system's response and helps it attack and recognise cancer cells to help stop the disease returning.

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immune serum immunity

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