autoimmunity

n. a condition in which the body’s immune system fails to recognize its own tissues as “self” and attempts to reject its own cells. It is a primary factor in the development of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (called autoimmune disorders). —autoimmune adj.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 20th 2025

historicism

1. the belief that the study of history can reveal general laws governing historical events and social and cultural phenomena and that these laws may allow for predictions of the future.

2. the notion that beliefs, values, and cultural products are determined by their historical context and can only be understood in this context.