antihypersensitivity
|an-ti-hy-per-sen-si-tiv-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.haɪ.pər.sɛn.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.haɪ.pə.sɛn.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/
against excessive sensitivity
Etymology
'antihypersensitivity' originates from Greek prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') combined with Greek prefix 'hyper-' (meaning 'over, excessive') and 'sensitivity', which derives from Latin 'sensitivus' (from 'sentire', meaning 'to feel').
'sensitivity' developed from Latin 'sensitivus' (from 'sentire') via Old French into Middle English as 'sensitive'. 'Hypersensitivity' is a modern medical formation combining 'hyper-' + 'sensitivity' in the late 19th to early 20th century. 'Antihypersensitivity' is a later compound formed by prefixing 'anti-' to 'hypersensitivity' to denote opposition to or reduction of hypersensitivity.
The components originally conveyed 'against' + 'excess feeling'; over time the compound evolved into a technical term meaning 'measures or properties that prevent or reduce excessive immune or sensory reactions' in medical and pharmacological usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a property, treatment, or measure that prevents, reduces, or counteracts hypersensitivity reactions (excessive immune or sensory responses), especially used in medical or pharmacological contexts.
The new compound demonstrated antihypersensitivity activity in clinical trials for patients with chronic allergic dermatitis.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/21 15:09