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nonself

American

[non-self] / nɒnˈsɛlf /

noun

Immunology.

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

Etymology

Origin of nonself

First recorded in 1870–75; non- + self

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.

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

From Science Magazine • Jan. 3, 2019

Antigens are nonself molecules, usually large proteins, which provoke an immune response.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Because the arms of the Y-shaped antibodies attach randomly to more than one nonself erythrocyte surface, they form clumps of erythrocytes.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

There is no "I" that existed in the past existing now or in the future to go through the torment of these nonself causes.

From Time Magazine Archive

His motifs are not actors in a drama of pathetic fallacy, but resistant fragments of the world, the nonself.

From Time Magazine Archive

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023