cross-reaction

American  

[kraws-ree-ak-shuhn-kros-] / ˈkrɔs riˈæk ʃənˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. an immunologic reaction between a given antigen and an antibody or lymphokine that is specific for a different antigen resembling the first one.

---

Other Word Forms

• cross-reactive adjective
• cross-reactivity noun

Etymology

Origin of cross-reaction

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

This case of mistaken identity, at the molecular level, is known scientifically as a cross-reaction.

From BBC

Eating those foods can trigger a “cross-reaction,” making allergy symptoms worse, but more often they cause oral-allergy syndrome, also known as pollen-food syndrome: itchy mouth, scratchy throat, swelling of the lips, mouth and throat.

From Seattle Times