immune system
B2Neutral to technical. Common in everyday health conversations, medical/biological literature, and metaphorical use in journalism/social sciences.
Definition
Meaning
The biological structures and processes within an organism that provide protection against disease by identifying and neutralizing pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
By metaphorical extension, it can refer to any protective or defensive mechanism of an organization, society, or system that resists harmful influences or attacks.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost always used as a singular compound noun ('the immune system'). It refers to a complex, interconnected network, not a single organ. Metaphorical use is common but usually requires context to avoid confusion with the biological meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'defence/defense' in collocations). The metaphorical extension is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily positive (protective, essential). Can have negative connotations when described as 'overactive' (causing allergies) or 'compromised' (weakened).
Frequency
High and comparable frequency in both varieties due to universal relevance in health and science contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] has a [adjective] immune system.[Verb] the immune system.The immune system [verbs] [object].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to have) an immune system of steel (informal, meaning very robust health)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used literally. Metaphorically: 'The company's financial immune system was not prepared for the market crash.'
Academic
Frequent in biology, medicine, and public health texts. Also in social sciences metaphorically: 'The societal immune system against misinformation.'
Everyday
Common in discussions about health, colds, flu, diet, and stress: 'I'm taking vitamins to support my immune system.'
Technical
Precise use in immunology, distinguishing between innate and adaptive, humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The vaccine helps to immunise the body against the virus.
- The treatment can immunosuppress the patient.
American English
- The vaccine helps to immunize the body against the virus.
- The treatment can immunosuppress the patient.
adverb
British English
- The cells reacted immunologically.
- The body responded immunogenically to the substance.
American English
- The cells reacted immunologically.
- The body responded immunogenically to the substance.
adjective
British English
- She has excellent immune function.
- It was an immune-mediated response.
American English
- She has excellent immune function.
- It was an immune-mediated response.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Sleep is good for your immune system.
- Fruit and vegetables help the immune system.
- When you are stressed, your immune system can become weaker.
- A cold means your immune system is fighting a virus.
- Vaccinations work by training the immune system to recognise specific pathogens.
- Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
- The researcher's paper elucidated how the innate immune system initiates a non-specific inflammatory response.
- Critics argued that the government's new policy lacked any immune system against systemic corruption.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I'M UNharmed because my SYSTEM defends ME' -> I-M-MUNE SYSTEM.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A FORTRESS. The immune system is the army/defence force that protects it from invaders (pathogens).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'иммунная система' where context calls for simpler 'immunity' (иммунитет).
- In Russian, 'система' is feminine, which can lead to pronoun errors in English (use 'it', not 'she').
- Do not confuse with 'nervous system' (нервная система).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect article: 'He has strong immune system.' (Correct: 'He has a strong immune system.')
- Pluralization: 'immune systems' is correct only when comparing different organisms.
- Misspelling: 'imune system', 'imun system'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary function of the immune system?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun written as two separate words. The hyphenated form 'immune-system' is rarely used in modern English.
No, 'immunity system' is not standard. The fixed term is 'immune system'. 'Immunity' is the state of being immune, which is the result of the immune system functioning well.
Use it to describe any system designed to resist harm. Example: 'A strong democracy needs an immune system against propaganda.' Ensure the context makes the metaphorical meaning clear.
The immune system is a functional concept encompassing many cells, tissues, and processes that defend the body. The lymphatic system is a physical network of vessels and organs (like lymph nodes) that is a key part of, but not synonymous with, the immune system.