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cross-resistance

[ kraws-ri-zis-tuhns, kros- ]

noun

, Biology.
  1. immunologic resistance to the pathogenic effects of a microorganism because of previous exposure to another species or type having cross-reactive antigens.
  2. resistance to the effects of a substance, as that of an insect population to an insecticide or a bacterial strain to an antibiotic, stimulated by exposure and adaptation to a similar or related substance.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-resistance1

First recorded in 1945–50

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gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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