immunodeficiency

noun

im·​mu·​no·​de·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌi-myə-nō-di-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

: inability to produce a normal complement of antibodies or immunologically sensitized T cells especially in response to specific antigens

immunodeficient

ˌi-myə-nō-di-ˈfi-shənt 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

adjective

Examples of immunodeficiency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using her platform, she’s worked as an advocate to bring awareness to autoimmune disorders, herself afflicted by CVID (common variable immunodeficiency). —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024

Her handlers found that the feline suffered from a host of diseases, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Along with her gastroparesis, Jacqueline has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, as well as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, trigeminal neuralgia (a neurological facial pain disorder) and primary immunodeficiency. —Brian Brant, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024

Domestic cats have the potential to transmit a variety of diseases to native felines, such as feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + deficiency

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunodeficiency

• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• human immunodeficiency virus
• severe combined immunodeficiency
• simian immunodeficiency virus

Kids Definition

immunodeficiency

noun

im·​mu·​no·​de·​fi·​cien·​cy -də-ˈfish-ən-sē 

: inability to produce the normal number of antibodies or T cells capable of acting in an immune system

Medical Definition

immunodeficiency

noun

im·​mu·​no·​de·​fi·​cien·​cy -di-ˈfish-ən-sē 

plural immunodeficiencies

: inability to produce a normal complement of antibodies or immunologically sensitized T cells especially in response to specific antigens see aids

immunodeficient

-ənt 

adjective