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, ˌɪmjʊnəˈlɒdʒɪk /

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

Etymology

Origin of immunology

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

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

But plaque can shed bacteria or bacterial products into the bloodstream, says Dr. George Hajishengallis, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s dental school specializing in microbiology and immunology.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

If approved, half of the funding would go toward the creation of a new immunology and immunotherapy research institute affiliated with the University of California.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

Some people generate antibodies to alpha-gal but never develop an allergy to red meat, says Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, an allergist and associate professor of medicine at University of Virginia’s asthma, allergy and immunology division.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

However, the Apogee deal is a logical way for the company to bolster its portfolio, guarding its reputation as a leader in immunology and doubling down on what has historically driven its success.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

The problem of olfactory sensing shares some of the current puzzles and confusions of immunology, apart from the business of telling self from non-self.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas