Autoimmune: meaning, definitions and examples

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autoimmune

 

[ ɔːtəʊɪˈmjun ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

The term 'autoimmune' refers to diseases in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to inflammation and damage to various organs and systems. Autoimmune disorders can affect anyone and often vary in severity and symptoms. Common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

Synonyms

autoaggressive, autoimmunity, self-immune.

Examples of usage

  • Autoimmune diseases can be challenging to diagnose.
  • Many people living with autoimmune disorders experience fatigue.
  • Treatment for autoimmune conditions often includes immunosuppressive drugs.

Translations

Translations of the word "autoimmune" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autoimune

🇮🇳 स्वप्रतिरक्षित

🇩🇪 autoimmun

🇮🇩 autoimun

🇺🇦 аутоімунний

🇵🇱 autoimmunologiczny

🇯🇵 自己免疫の

🇫🇷 auto-immun

🇪🇸 autoinmune

🇹🇷 otoimmün

🇰🇷 자가면역의

🇸🇦 مناعة ذاتية

🇨🇿 autoimunitní

🇸🇰 autoimunitný

🇨🇳 自身免疫的

🇸🇮 avtoimunski

🇮🇸 sjálfsofnun

🇰🇿 автоиммунды

🇬🇪 ავტოიმუნური

🇦🇿 autoimmun

🇲🇽 autoinmune

Etymology

The term 'autoimmune' comes from the combination of the prefix 'auto-' meaning 'self' and the word 'immune,' which is derived from the Latin 'immunis' meaning 'exempt' or 'free from.' The concept of autoimmunity emerged in the early 20th century as scientists began to understand how the immune system works. Diseases classified under the term 'autoimmune' were initially thought to be rare but have since been shown to be more common than previously believed, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The understanding of autoimmune diseases has evolved significantly, leading to advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,252, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.