a molecule occurring on the surface of tissue cells that can take several different forms. The differences between histocompatibility antigens are inherited and determine organ transplant rejection
histocompatibility antigen in American English
noun
Immunology
any antigen on the surface of tissue or blood cells that provokes the immune response and subsequent rejection when transplanted to an individual of a different antigenic type, thus determining whether the tissues or organs of a donor and recipient are histocompatible
Word origin
[1965–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1965–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: double-book, hired gun, isometric exercise, no-fault, stun gun