immunoinhibitory
|im-mu-no-in-hib-i-to-ry|
🇺🇸
/ɪˌmjuːnoʊɪnˈhɪbɪtəri/
🇬🇧
/ɪˌmjuːnəʊɪnˈhɪbɪtəri/
blocks or suppresses immune response
Etymology
'immunoinhibitory' is a modern compound formed from the combining form 'immuno-' (from Latin 'immunis' via New Latin meaning 'exempt, protected') and 'inhibitory' (from Latin 'inhibere' meaning 'to hold in' or 'restrain').
'immuno-' derives from Latin 'immunis' and entered scientific English as a combining form in New Latin; 'inhibitory' comes from Latin 'inhibere' -> Late Latin/Old French forms -> Middle English 'inhibiten' leading to modern English 'inhibit' and adjective 'inhibitory'; the compound 'immunoinhibitory' arose in modern biomedical English by joining these elements.
The components originally meant 'exempt/protected' (immuno-) and 'to hold back' (inhibere); combined in modern usage they mean 'causing suppression of immune responses' rather than literal 'exempt from holding back.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
tending to inhibit or suppress immune system activity; causing a reduction or suppression of immune responses.
The tumor microenvironment is often immunoinhibitory, preventing effective T cell responses.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/01 09:32