sensitization

[ sen-si-tuh-zey-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the state or process of being sensitized.
Psychology. the process of becoming susceptible to a given stimulus that previously had no effect or significance.
Immunology.
1. a state or condition in which a previously encountered foreign substance triggers an immune reaction.
2. 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.

First recorded in 1885–90; sensitize + -ation

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