active immunity
noun
: usually long-lasting immunity that is acquired through production of antibodies within the organism in response to the presence of antigens compare passive immunity
Examples of active immunity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Additionally, active immunity is long-lasting but takes a few weeks to develop; passive immunity is immediate but temporary.
—
Leah Groth, Health, 17 Nov. 2023
Your active immunity is how your immune system responds to germs by producing its own antibodies.
—Leah Groth, Health, 17 Nov. 2023
So, whereas a vaccine offers the advantage of long-term, active immunity, an antiserum provides immunity that is short-lived but immediately effective.
—David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014
But active immunity, achieved with mRNA, means the body can remember how to create the response on its own.
—Hope Reese, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2021
In active immunity, antibodies are generated through exposure to a pathogen or a vaccine.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2020
While active immunity occurs when an individual produces antibodies to a disease through his or her own immune system, passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies.
—Leah Groth, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2020
But passive immunity doesn't last as long as active immunity, and loses effectiveness within a few weeks or months, per the CDC.
—Leah Groth, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Leah Groth, Health, 17 Nov. 2023
Your active immunity is how your immune system responds to germs by producing its own antibodies.
—Leah Groth, Health, 17 Nov. 2023
So, whereas a vaccine offers the advantage of long-term, active immunity, an antiserum provides immunity that is short-lived but immediately effective.
—David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014
But active immunity, achieved with mRNA, means the body can remember how to create the response on its own.
—Hope Reese, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2021
In active immunity, antibodies are generated through exposure to a pathogen or a vaccine.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2020
While active immunity occurs when an individual produces antibodies to a disease through his or her own immune system, passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies.
—Leah Groth, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2020
But passive immunity doesn't last as long as active immunity, and loses effectiveness within a few weeks or months, per the CDC.
—Leah Groth, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2020
Dictionary Entries Near active immunity
Cite this Entry
“Active immunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/active%20immunity. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share