acquired immunity

noun

Immunology.

1. immunity arising from exposure to antigens.

acquired immunity

noun

1. the immunity produced by exposure of an organism to antigens, which stimulates the production of antibodies

acquired immunity

1. Immunity that is not inherited. Acquired immunity can be active or passive.

2. ◆ Active immunity results from the development of antibodies in response to an antigen, as from exposure to an infectious disease or through vaccination.

3. ◆ Passive immunity results from the transmission of antibodies, as from mother to fetus through the placenta or by the injection of antiserum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquired immunity¹

First recorded in 1930–35