nonself

[non-self]

noun

Immunology.

1. any antigen-bearing foreign material that enters the body and normally stimulates an attack by the body's immune system (self ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonself¹

First recorded in 1870–75; non- + self

Example Sentences

The human immune system is remarkably good at distinguishing between “self” and “nonself,” and when it detects a foreign entity—whether a virus, a strange bacterium or someone else’s internal organ—it mounts an attack.

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One recent week, our members played such seven-letter words as “blankie,” “hirsute” and “nonself” and many more common, shorter words.

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Rather it is a loss of, or seeing through, or letting go of, the delusions of self and agency, and the acceptance of impermanence, suffering and nonself.

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Not long after researchers proved that plants can distinguish "self" from "nonself" roots, she tested whether they could also pick out and favor kin.

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“All bacteria were clearly ‘nonself’ so simply had to be recognized and dealt with.

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