cross-resistance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cross-resistance” mean?
A phenomenon where resistance to one drug, substance, or threat confers resistance to another, typically within the same class or sharing a similar mechanism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phenomenon where resistance to one drug, substance, or threat confers resistance to another, typically within the same class or sharing a similar mechanism.
The reduced effectiveness of two or more agents (e.g., insecticides, antibiotics, herbicides, antiviral drugs) due to a shared defense mechanism developed by a pest, pathogen, or cancer cell.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; both use the hyphenated form 'cross-resistance' predominantly.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger volume of biomedical literature, but the term is standard in scientific English globally.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-resistance” in a Sentence
cross-resistance between X and Ycross-resistance to Xcross-resistance among a class of XX shows cross-resistance with YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-resistance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mutated virus can cross-resist several protease inhibitors.
- We feared the bacteria would cross-resist the entire antibiotic class.
American English
- The weed population may cross-resist multiple herbicides.
- The study aimed to determine if the cells would cross-resist the new compound.
adjective
British English
- The cross-resistant strain was identified in the clinical sample.
- They documented a cross-resistant phenotype.
American English
- Cross-resistant pests are a major agricultural concern.
- The therapy failed due to cross-resistant cancer cells.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical or agriscience business reports discussing drug/ pesticide efficacy.
Academic
Common in microbiology, pharmacology, oncology, entomology, and agricultural science literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in fields dealing with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), chemotherapy, and pest management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-resistance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-resistance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-resistance”
- Misspelling as 'crossresistance' (should be hyphenated).
- Using it to describe resistance to only one agent.
- Confusing it with 'cross-contamination'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related but distinct. Cross-resistance specifically refers to resistance to multiple agents due to a single, shared mechanism. MDR is a broader term indicating resistance to multiple antimicrobials, which may arise from several different mechanisms combined.
Yes, though it is less common. It can happen if the different classes share a common target or route of entry/exit that the organism has altered. For example, resistance to one class of drug that involves upregulating efflux pumps might also confer resistance to other classes expelled by the same pumps.
Typically through susceptibility testing. A pathogen is exposed to a panel of antimicrobial agents. If reduced susceptibility (resistance) to Drug B is consistently observed whenever resistance to Drug A is present (and vice versa), it suggests cross-resistance.
It guides treatment protocols and antimicrobial stewardship. Using one drug can inadvertently select for resistance to another, potentially related drug, limiting future treatment options. This knowledge is crucial for designing effective combination therapies and rotation strategies to preserve the usefulness of existing drugs.
A phenomenon where resistance to one drug, substance, or threat confers resistance to another, typically within the same class or sharing a similar mechanism.
Cross-resistance is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cross-resistance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs rɪˈzɪstəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs rɪˈzɪstəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A double-edged sword of resistance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a shield (resistance) that was forged against one sword, but it also turns out to be strong against another, similar sword—that's cross-resistance.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESISTANCE IS A SHARED KEY: Developing one 'key' (mechanism) to unlock escape from Drug A also fits the lock of Drug B.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross-resistance' LEAST likely to be used?