passive immunity

American

noun

Immunology.

immunity resulting from the injection of antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes from another organism or, in infants, from the transfer of antibodies through the placenta or from colostrum.

passive immunity Scientific

/ păs′ĭv /

See under acquired immunity

Etymology

Origin of passive immunity

First recorded in 1890–95

Compare meaning

How does passive-immunity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

active immunity vs. passive immunity

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.

Both result in passive immunity to the baby, providing protection during a time that babies are most susceptible to severe RSV disease.

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2023

The antibodies were transmitted as the result of passive immunity.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Finally, if vaccination fails, Segev recommends giving patients monoclonal antibodies as a form of passive immunity against COVID.

From Scientific American • Nov. 9, 2021

Monoclonal antibodies can also confer passive immunity, which protects those who can’t make antibodies themselves.

From Slate • Oct. 12, 2021

The methods of active immunity have been practically applied in preventive inoculation against disease; those of passive immunity have given us serum therapeutics.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2 "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" by Various

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