immunology
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of immunology
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.
Vocabulary lists containing immunology
Microbiology - High School
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Microbiology - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scientists already understand a great deal about the makeup and function of blood cells in humans and mice thanks to advances in hematology and immunology.
From Science Daily • May 27, 2026
"We are working through the logistics at pace," but cannot give a precise timeline yet, Teresa Lambe, head of vaccine immunology at the Oxford Vaccine Group, told AFP.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
BMS gained exclusive rights to four Hengrui oncology/hematology treatments outside China; Hengrui received rights to four BMS immunology drugs in China.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
The project is being led by Danielle Jex, a senior lecturer in immunology, and will investigate whether chemical signals released by endometriosis cells can help cancer cells survive and avoid the immune system.
From BBC • May 8, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
