sensitization

[ sen-si-tuh-zey-shuhn ]

noun
  1. the state or process of being sensitized.

  2. Psychology. the process of becoming susceptible to a given stimulus that previously had no effect or significance.

  1. Immunology.

    • a state or condition in which a previously encountered foreign substance triggers an immune reaction.

    • an immunologic state or condition that is evidenced by the acquired ability of a cell or individual to detect the presence of a foreign substance upon reexposure to the substance and to react immunologically.

Origin of sensitization

1
First recorded in 1885–90; sensitize + -ation

Other words from sensitization

  • non·sen·si·ti·za·tion, noun
  • re·sen·si·ti·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024