passive immunity

American  

noun

Immunology.

1. 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.

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passive immunity Scientific  

/ păs′ĭv /

1. See under acquired immunity

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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

Or they can wait until after their baby is born and give them nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that was approved by the FDA in July, which also provides passive immunity ahead of RSV season.

From Scientific American • Sep. 25, 2023

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

Antibodies produced in the mother’s body are passed to the infant via passive immunity through the placenta.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

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

From Slate • Oct. 12, 2021

The facts with regard to passive immunity were thus established and were put to practical application by the introduction of diphtheria antitoxin as a therapeutic agent in 1894.

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