What does immunologic mean?
Immunologic is a formal adjective meaning relating to immunology, the scientific study of the immune system, or to immune-system processes. It is used in medicine and biological research to describe responses, memory, tolerance, defence, and other phenomena involving immunity. For example, a vaccine may produce a strong immunologic response by prompting the body to develop protective antibodies and memory cells. The word is technical but widely understood in professional and academic contexts. It is closely related to “immunological,” with “immunologic” especially common in medical writing. Unlike the everyday adjective “immune,” which can describe a person or organism as protected from a disease, “immunologic” normally characterizes a process, response, mechanism, or field of study.
adjectiveRelating to immunology, the branch of medicine and biology concerned with the immune system. It describes substances, processes, responses, or conditions involving immunity or immune defence.
- Relating to immunology or to the immune system and its responses.
"The vaccine triggered a strong immunologic response in the patient."
"The study examined the immunologic effects of the new treatment."
"Immunologic tolerance allows the body to accept its own tissues without attacking them."
Immunologic memory lets the immune system recognize a pathogen it has encountered before, making vaccination so effective.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immunologic come from?
“Immunologic” is built from “immune” or “immunity” and the combining form “-ologic,” associated with the Greek-derived tradition of “logic” and scientific study. The element “immune” ultimately comes from Latin immunis, meaning free from duty or obligation and later free from liability to harm. The compound entered medical and scientific usage as the study of the body’s defences against disease and harmful substances developed.
Related word forms
How immunologic is actually used
This is a formal scientific and medical adjective. It is especially associated with immunology and clinical research, and it is less common in general conversation than “immune-related” or “immunity-related.”
Easily confused with immunologic
“Immunologic” and “immunological” are closely related variants; the former is especially common in medical and scientific usage, while both can mean relating to the immune system.