Innate Immunity
Definition:
"Innate immunity" is a noun that refers to the natural protection against disease that a person is born with. This type of immunity is not something you learn or get from vaccines; it is part of your body’s biological makeup from the start.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "innate immunity" when talking about health, biology, or how the body fights off infections. It’s often used in discussions about the immune system and how it works to keep us healthy.
Example:
- "Newborn babies have strong innate immunity that helps protect them from infections in their early life."
Advanced Usage:
In more scientific discussions, you might hear terms like "adaptive immunity," which is the immunity that develops over time through exposure to pathogens or through vaccinations. Innate immunity works alongside adaptive immunity to provide a full defense against diseases.
Word Variants:
- Innate (adjective): Referring to qualities a person is born with.
Example: "She has an innate talent for music." - Immunity (noun): The ability of the body to resist disease.
Example: "His immunity to the virus was surprising."
Different Meanings:
- "Innate" can also describe other natural traits or abilities, not just related to the immune system.
- "Immunity" can refer to legal immunity, meaning protection from certain laws or prosecution.
Synonyms:
- Natural immunity - Genetic immunity - Congenital immunity
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically for "innate immunity," you might hear phrases related to health, such as: - "Fight off" (to resist or overcome an illness)
Example: "She fought off the cold with plenty of rest." - "Build up" (to increase, often used when talking about strengthening the immune system)
Example: "You can build up your immunity by eating healthy foods."
In summary, "innate immunity" is an important concept in understanding how our bodies naturally protect us from diseases.