immunology

American  

[im-yuh-nol-uh-jee] / ˌɪm jəˈnɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of science dealing with the components of the immune system, immunity from disease, the immune response, and immunologic techniques of analysis.

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immunology British  

/ ˌɪmjʊˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of biological science concerned with the study of immunity

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immunology Scientific  

/ ĭm′yə-nŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the structure and function of the immune system.

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Other Word Forms

• immunologist
  noun
• immunologic
  adjective
• immunological
  adjective
• immunologically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of immunology

First recorded in 1905–10; immuno- + -logy

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Explanation

Immunology is the science of body systems that protect against infection. It's thanks to immunology that we're able to treat and prevent so many diseases today. Immunology is formed by adding the suffix -ology, or "science," to immune, or "exempt from a disease." Scientists and doctors who specialize in immunology study the way our immune systems function (and sometimes malfunction) as they work to defend us from viruses and bacteria. Immunologists are also instrumental in creating vaccines against new diseases and promising treatments like cancer immunotherapy, which boost the patient's own immune system.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

immunology

“If you’ve had chickenpox naturally, that will go away, but it will live dormant. It’ll hang out within your nerves,” Tbakhi, now an allergy and immunology fellow at the University of Cincinnati, explained.

From Slate ● Nov. 1, 2026

AstraZeneca said it benefited from double-digit sales growth in its oncology, respiratory and immunology, and rare disease therapeutic areas, which allowed it to offset hits from generic competition for aging medicines Farxiga and Brilinta.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

Strong U.S. sales for immunology drug Bimzelx due to robust patient demand and favorable pricing trends, as well as the continued contribution from older anti-inflammatory drug Cimzia prompted the guidance increase, UCB said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

The measure would require at least $4.2 billion of the funds to be used for immunology research on cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

In recent years there have been expansion and strengthening in new fields; biologic membranes, immunology, genetics, and cell regulatory mechanisms are currently booming.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

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