self-recognition

noun

self-rec·​og·​ni·​tion ˌself-ˌre-kig-ˈni-shən 

-kəg-

1

: recognition of one's own self

2

: the process by which the immune system of an organism distinguishes between the body's own chemicals, cells, and tissues and those of foreign organisms and agents

Examples of self-recognition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the specific returns for these players could be debated, and even though the thought of Marchand, Carlo and Coyle is difficult for any Bruins fan to swallow, the self-recognition by Boston will be appreciated in years to come. —Tyler Small, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Researchers believed that would show some semblance of self-recognition. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

Lent is a time of preparation and self-recognition prior to Easter. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 21 Feb. 2024

Even for members of this elite group, self-recognition is no instant achievement. —Karen Wright, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

Still, the findings suggest self-recognition might not be as exclusive as previously thought. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Oct. 2023

And this is not a matter of insincerity, as if shtick were masking a hidden core of authenticity; rather, performance emerges as the very essence of social life and of self-recognition. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2023

Such a response is regarded by scientists as proof of self-recognition; that the ants can see themselves. —Philip Lymbery, Time, 27 July 2023

Although self-recognition is generally thought of as a visual ability, some animals, such as dogs, primarily rely on scent rather than sight. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-recognition

• academician
• cycloaddition
• decomposition
• diagnostician
• disinhibition
• indisposition
• interposition
• juxtaposition
• mathematician
• metacognition
• metaphysician
• neurotransmission

Medical Definition

self-recognition

noun

self-rec·​og·​ni·​tion -ˌrek-əg-ˈnish-ən 

: the process by which the immune system of an organism distinguishes between the body's own chemicals, cells, and tissues and those of foreign organisms or agents compare self-tolerance