immune etymology

Etymology

The word "immune" comes from the Latin word "immunis," which means "free from" or "exempt from." It was originally used in the context of law and religion, where it referred to individuals who were exempt from certain duties or obligations.

Meaning and Origin

In the field of medicine, the term "immune" was first used in the 19th century to describe individuals who were resistant to certain infections. Later research revealed that this resistance was due to the presence of specific substances in the body that could neutralize pathogens and protect the body from disease.

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful substances, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. It is made up of two main components:

• Innate immunity: This is the body's first line of defense and consists of physical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as specialized cells that can recognize and destroy pathogens.
• Adaptive immunity: This develops over time as the body is exposed to different pathogens. It is highly specific and can recognize and target particular pathogens or antigens.

The immune system is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease. When it is working properly, it can protect the body from a wide range of infections and other threats. However, if the immune system is compromised or weakened, the body becomes more susceptible to illness.

immune relate terms

• immunity

  Etymology Latin immunitas French immunité English immunity Meaning Protec

• immune

  Etymology The word immune comes from the Latin word immunis which means free from

• municipal

  Etymology The word municipal derives from the Latin word municipalis which in turn c

• autoimmune

  Etymology The word autoimmune is derived from the Greek words Auto Self Immune Im

• vaccination

  Etymology The word vaccination is derived from the Latin word vacca meaning cow

• reject

  Etymology Old French rejecter Latin reiectare Prefix re back iactare to thro

• mortal

  Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea

• carrier

  Etymology Old French carier Latin carrus cart chariot iarius suffix denoting r

• person

  Etymology Latin persona meaning mask or character in a play Meaning An indiv

• soul

  Etymology The word soul traces its origins to the Proto Indo European root h₂enh₂

• individual

  Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

• somebody

  Etymology Some indefinite pronoun Middle English sum or som from Old English

• save

  Etymology Old French sauve Latin salvus whole safe Meaning To protect or