cross-tolerance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cross-tolerance” mean?
A phenomenon where tolerance to one substance reduces sensitivity to another, often related substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phenomenon where tolerance to one substance reduces sensitivity to another, often related substance.
In broader contexts, it can refer to a reduced reaction or sensitivity to a new stimulus due to prior exposure to a different but similar stimulus, applicable in pharmacology, psychology, or immunology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The hyphenated form is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-tolerance” in a Sentence
cross-tolerance to [NP]cross-tolerance between [NP] and [NP]cross-tolerance with [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-tolerance” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cross-tolerance effect was carefully measured.
- A cross-tolerance relationship is suspected.
American English
- The cross-tolerance data was conclusive.
- Researchers observed a cross-tolerance phenomenon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in pharmacology, neuroscience, and medical research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in toxicology and psychopharmacology to describe drug interactions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-tolerance”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-tolerance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-tolerance”
- Writing as one word ('crosstolerance') or two words ('cross tolerance') without the hyphen.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts where it would be misunderstood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, cross-tolerance can be unidirectional. Tolerance to substance A may confer tolerance to B, but not necessarily vice versa.
Yes, the concept is sometimes applied in psychology (e.g., stress tolerance) and immunology, though it is most precise and common in pharmacology.
Cross-tolerance decreases response to a new substance, while cross-sensitization increases response or sensitivity to it.
It affects dosing, therapeutic efficacy, and risk of overdose when switching medications or treating addiction, as a patient may require higher doses of a new, related drug.
A phenomenon where tolerance to one substance reduces sensitivity to another, often related substance.
Cross-tolerance is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cross-tolerance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈtɒlərəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ˈtɑːlərəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROSSroad: tolerance to one drug CROSSES over to affect your tolerance to another.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOLERANCE IS A SHIELD THAT CAN BLOCK SIMILAR ATTACKS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross-tolerance' primarily used?