sensitization

[ sen-si-tuh-zey-shuh n ]
/ ˌsɛn sɪ təˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

the state or process of being sensitized.
Psychology. the process of becoming susceptible to a given stimulus that previously had no effect or significance.
Immunology.
  1. a state or condition in which a previously encountered foreign substance triggers an immune reaction.
  2. an immunologic state or condition that is evidenced by the acquired ability of a cell or individual to detect the presence of a foreign substance upon reexposure to the substance and to react immunologically.

Origin of sensitization

First recorded in 1885–90; sensitize + -ation

OTHER WORDS FROM sensitization

non·sen·si·ti·za·tion, noun re·sen·si·ti·za·tion, noun

Words nearby sensitization

sensitive plant, sensitiveness, sensitivity, sensitivity group, sensitivity training, sensitization, sensitize, sensitized antigen, sensitized cell, sensitizing dye, sensitometer

Example sentences from the Web for sensitization

  • What if gout should prove to be a sensitization or anaphylaxis to uric acid that does not exist in the non-gouty?

    The Treatment of Hay Fever |George Frederick Laidlaw

  • Various skin rashes and eruptions are likewise associated with sensitization to certain foods.

    Food Poisoning |Edwin Oakes Jordan

  • Call the old tubercular diathesis a sensitization and you have made it the most modern of modern discoveries.

    The Treatment of Hay Fever |George Frederick Laidlaw

Medical definitions for sensitization

sensitization
[ sĕn′sĭ-tĭ-zā′shən ]

n.

The act or process of inducing an acquired sensitivity or allergy.