immunosuppressive

[ im-yuh-noh-suh-pres-iv, ih-myoo- ]

adjective

1. capable of causing immunosuppression:

   immunosuppressive drugs.

noun

1. Pharmacology. Also im·mu·no·sup·pres·sor [] any substance that results in or effects immunosuppression.

immunosuppressive

/ ˌɪmjʊnəʊsəˈprɛsɪv /

noun

1. any drug used for immunosuppression

adjective

1. of or relating to such a drug

Derived Forms

• ˌimmunosupˈpressant, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of immunosuppressive¹

First recorded in 1960–65; immuno- + suppressive ( def )

Example Sentences

A major one is the need for immunosuppressive drugs, which dampen the immune system to prevent it from attacking the new organ as an invader.

From Singularity Hub 

To avoid this risk in people who get a transplant from another person, patients have to be on immunosuppressive medications for months.

From Science News For Students

People who get a transplant from another person have to be on immunosuppressive medications for a period of months after the transplant.

From Science News

It comes along with some up-front risk of mortality and a lot of potential side effects, such as graft-versus-host disease and a higher risk of infection because of immunosuppressive drugs.

From Science News

Unfiltered fermented grapes make ochratoxin-A, a neurotoxic, carcinogenic, immunosuppressive compound.

From The Daily Beast