immunodeficiency

American  

[im-yuh-noh-di-fish-uhn-see, ih-myoo-] / ˌɪm yə noʊ dɪˈfɪʃ ən si, ɪˌmyu- /

noun

plural

immunodeficiencies

1. impairment of the immune response, predisposing to infection and certain malignancies.

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immunodeficiency British  

/ ˌimjʊnəʊdɪˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

1. a deficiency in or breakdown of a person's immune system

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immunodeficiency Scientific  

/ ĭm′yə-nō-dĭ-fĭsh′ən-sē,ĭ-myo̅o̅′- /

1. The inability to produce a normal immune response, caused by an acquired or inherited disease.

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Other Word Forms

• immunodeficient adjective

Etymology

Origin of immunodeficiency

First recorded in 1970–75; immuno- + deficiency

Example Sentences

"Heavy metal exposure has been linked to degenerative heart disease, immunodeficiency and increased parasite infestations, among other disease risks."

From Science Daily

They point out that malnutrition is the leading cause of immunodeficiency worldwide.

From Science Daily

Conversely, interventions that inhibit Rinl could be used in immunodeficiency to help the body fight disease.

From Science Daily

HIV is human immunodeficiency virus, which damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.

From BBC

The legal dispute centered on who devised the idea of using a Gilead medication for people at high risk of contracting H.I.V., or the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS.

From New York Times