cross-reaction

1 of 2

noun (1)

: reaction of one antigen with antibodies developed against another antigen

cross-reactivity

2 of 2

noun (2)

cross-re·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty
: the capability of undergoing cross-reaction
cross-react intransitive verb
cross-reactive adjective

Examples of cross-reaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
However, officials fear that a cross-reaction of both influenza viruses in the body can cause bird flu to mutate to spread more easily or cause serious illness. — Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

cross entry 3

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-reaction was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Cross-reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-reaction. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Medical Definition

cross-reaction

noun
: reaction of one antigen with antibodies developed against another antigen
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