The spelling of Active Immunities can be explained by its phonetic transcription in IPA. It is pronounced as /ˈæktɪvɪ ɪˈmjʊnətiz/, with the stress on the second syllable of 'active'. The first syllable 'ac' is pronounced as in 'act', followed by 'tiv' pronounced as in 'give'. The stress on 'tiv' leads to a secondary stress on the third syllable 'i'. The fourth syllable 'ties' is pronounced as in 'ties' (plural of 'tie'). Overall, Active Immunities refers to the body's ability to defend against diseases by producing immunity.
Active immunity refers to the acquired immune response of an organism after exposure to a specific disease-causing agent or antigen. It is a form of immunity that develops over time, as the immune system recognizes and remembers the specific foreign invader, resulting in a faster and more efficient response upon subsequent encounters.
Active immunity can be acquired naturally through infection, where the immune system produces antibodies and memory cells in response to the presence of pathogens, or artificially through immunization. Immunization involves the administration of a weakened or killed pathogen, or a fragment of it, to stimulate the immune system and trigger the production of antibodies.
The development of active immunity is characterized by the production of specific memory cells, including B-cells and T-cells, that remember the specific antigen encountered. These memory cells remain in the body, providing a long-lasting defense against future infections by the same pathogen. This immunological memory is the underlying principle of vaccines, as they mimic natural infections without causing the disease itself. Vaccination allows the immune system to recognize and respond rapidly to the pathogen upon subsequent exposure, preventing or reducing the severity of the disease.
Active immunity is considered a proactive defense mechanism, as it actively involves the immune system in producing a response. It is in contrast to passive immunity, which is acquired from the transfer of pre-formed antibodies (such as those received from a mother to her child during breastfeeding).
The word "active immunities" does not have a distinct etymology. However, by examining the individual parts of the word, we can divine its meaning.
1. Active: This word originates from the Latin word "activus", which means "doing, performing, or energetic". It implies taking action or initiating changes.
2. Immunities: The word "immunity" comes from the Latin word "immunitas", which means "exemption from public service". It refers to the state of being resistant or protected against certain diseases or harmful substances.
When combined, "active immunities" refers to the state of having active protection or resistance against diseases through the body's own defenses, such as the production of antibodies or immune response.