Immune

Definition

Protected from a disease or the like.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈmjun/
• Respelling: i-MYOON (with "i" as in "tin" and "MYOON" as in "moon")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈmjuːn/
• Respelling: i-MYOON (with "i" as in "tin" and "MYOON" as in "moon")

In both dialects, "immune" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "MYOON." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "i-MYOON."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "exempt from public service or charge". The term took on a biological connotation in the early 20th century when it began to be used in reference to resistance to infectious diseases.

Derivatives

• Immunity (noun)
• Immunize (verb)
• Immunization (noun)
• Immunology (noun)
• Immunological (adjective)

Synonyms

• Resistant
• Insusceptible
• Unaffected

Antonyms

• Susceptible
• Vulnerable
• Exposed

Usage

"Immune" is commonly used in medical, legal, and general contexts to denote resistance to diseases, protection from obligations, or exemption from certain effects.

Related Terms

• Vaccination
• Antibodies
• Resistance
• Tolerance
• Allergy

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Immune (Resistant to a particular infection or toxin due to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells):
  • Example: "After recovering from chickenpox, she is now immune to the disease."

• Immune (Protected or exempt from an obligation or the effects of something):
  • Example: "The diplomat is immune from prosecution under international law."

Note: The term "immune" is often used in both medical and general contexts. In medicine, it relates to the body's ability to resist infectious diseases. In broader contexts, it might refer to a person's ability to remain unaffected by something.