cross-resistance

[ kraws-ri-zis-tuh ns, kros- ]

/ ˈkrɔs rɪˈzɪs təns, ˈkrɒs- /

noun Biology.

immunologic resistance to the pathogenic effects of a microorganism because of previous exposure to another species or type having cross-reactive antigens.

resistance to the effects of a substance, as that of an insect population to an insecticide or a bacterial strain to an antibiotic, stimulated by exposure and adaptation to a similar or related substance.