autoimmunity
UK[ˌɔːtəʊɪˈmjuːnəti]US[ˌɔːtoʊɪˈmjuːnəti]
n
a condition in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues, leading to disease.
Morpheme Breakdown
auto
immunity
auto
self
immunity
resistance to disease
Etymology
the word 'autoimmunity' is a modern scientific compound, formed in the early 20th century. it combines the greek prefix 'auto-', meaning 'self', with the latin-derived noun 'immunity', which denotes a state of being protected from disease. the term was created to logically describe the paradoxical biological phenomenon where an organism's immune system, designed for defense, mistakenly turns against its own cells. thus, the literal meaning 'self-immunity' evolved into the abstract medical concept of an immune response directed at the body itself.
Analysis
Structure: auto (self) + immunity (resistance to disease)
- auto: from greek 'autos', meaning 'self'. functions as a combining form meaning 'self' or 'same'.
- immunity: from latin 'immunitas', meaning 'exemption from public service'. the core element 'immun(e)' relates to protection, with '-ity' being a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition.
Examples
rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease caused by autoimmunity.
researchers are studying the genetic factors that can trigger autoimmunity.
the doctor explained that her symptoms were the result of an autoimmunity disorder.