histocompatibility
noun
his·to·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty
ˈhi-(ˌ)stō-kəm-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: a state of mutual tolerance that allows some tissues to be grafted effectively to others compare major histocompatibility complex
Examples of histocompatibility in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The analysis reveals an over-representation of the domestic cat's genes that are linked to immune function, such as the major histocompatibility complex, in the European wildcat's genome.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Our personal smells are tied to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that governs our immune system, says Pamela Dalton, a cognitive psychologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 14 June 2023
The transplant system and all of its interdependent components — donor families, donor hospitals, organ procurement organizations, transplant programs, histocompatibility laboratories, and others — must work together to equitably care for all patients waiting for organs.
—Richard N. Formica, STAT, 24 Apr. 2022
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Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Our personal smells are tied to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that governs our immune system, says Pamela Dalton, a cognitive psychologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 14 June 2023
The transplant system and all of its interdependent components — donor families, donor hospitals, organ procurement organizations, transplant programs, histocompatibility laboratories, and others — must work together to equitably care for all patients waiting for organs.
—Richard N. Formica, STAT, 24 Apr. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Histocompatibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histocompatibility. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
histocompatibility
noun
his·to·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty
ˈhis-(ˌ)tō-kəm-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural histocompatibilities
often attributive
: a state of mutual tolerance between tissues that allows them to be grafted effectively see major histocompatibility complex
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