immunity: Meaning and Definition of

im•mu•ni•ty

Pronunciation: (i-my'ni-tē), [key]
— pl. -ties.
  1. the state of being immune from or insusceptible to a particular disease or the like.
  2. the condition that permits either natural or acquired resistance to disease.
  3. the ability of a cell to react immunologically in the presence of an antigen.
  4. exemption from any natural or usual liability.
  5. exemption from obligation, service, duty, or liability to taxation, jurisdiction, etc.: The ambassador claimed diplomatic immunity when they arrested him for reckless driving.
  6. exemption from criminal prosecution or legal liability or punishment on certain conditions.
  7. special privilege.
    1. the exemption of ecclesiastical persons and things from secular or civil liabilities, duties, and burdens.
    2. a particular exemption of this kind.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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