nonspecific
/nɑnˈspɛsɪfɪk/ · non.spe.cif.ic
adjective
- Not specific or precise. The doctor's diagnosis was nonspecific, and further testing was required to determine the exact cause of the illness.
- (of an infection) Not caused by a specific pathogen. The patient's infection was nonspecific, making it difficult to treat with antibiotics.
- (of a person's immunity) Not caused by previous infection or vaccination. The person's immunity to the disease was nonspecific, meaning they were not protected against all strains.
Did you know? The term 'nonspecific' is often used in medical contexts to describe infections or immune responses that are not caused by a specific pathogen or trigger, highlighting the complexity of the human immune system.