autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases
autoimmunity noun
autoimmunization noun

Did you know?

Any healthy body produces a variety of antibodies, proteins in the blood whose job is to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The cells and organs that deal with such infections make up the immune system. In some people and animals, for various reasons, the antibodies become overactive and turn on the body's healthy tissues as well; the result is an autoimmune disease—an immune response directed against one's own self. More than eighty autoimmune diseases have been identified, the best-known being type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Examples of autoimmune in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Nathan Vinson, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025 However, gluten can have an autoimmune and inflammatory effect on people with certain conditions. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025 Inflammation is believed to be a major driver in preventing cholesterol build-up, but also in other illnesses including autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's and even anxiety and depression. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Riz Ahmed co-wrote and stars in the lauded drama, which tells the story of Zed, a British-Pakistani rapper on the verge of his big break when he is suddenly struck by a debilitating autoimmune disease. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for autoimmune

Word History

Etymology

auto- + immune, after autoimmunity, borrowed from French auto-immunité

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autoimmune was in 1952

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Autoimmune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoimmune. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

autoimmune

adjective
au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯt-ō-im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: relating to or caused by an abnormal condition in which an organism's immune system attacks and destroys parts of its own cells or tissues
multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease

Medical Definition

autoimmune

adjective
au·​to·​im·​mune -im-ˈyün How to pronounce autoimmune (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!