How to Pronounce Molecular Mimicry
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Molecular Mimicry Pronunciation
moh-LEK-yoo-lar MIM-ih-kree
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
moh
LEK
stress here
yoo
lar MIM
ih
kree
6 syllables
What is Molecular Mimicry?
A proposed mechanism by which infections can trigger autoimmunity when pathogen proteins share structural similarities with self-proteins; the immune response generated against the infection cross-reacts with similar self-antigens, causing autoimmune tissue damage, as proposed for rheumatic fever following streptococcal infection.
Questions About Molecular Mimicry
How do you pronounce 'molecular mimicry'?
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Say it like this: moh-LEK-yoo-lar MIM-ih-kree. The first word rhymes with "pole" and "lar," and the stress falls on the second syllable: LEK. The second word, "mimicry," sounds like "MIM" (rhymes with "him") plus "ih-kree."
Which syllable gets the stress in 'molecular mimicry'?
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In "molecular," you stress the second syllable: moh-LEK-yoo-lar. In "mimicry," you stress the first syllable: MIM-ih-kree. A common mistake is putting the stress on the third syllable of "molecular" (yoo) instead of the second.
How many syllables does 'molecular mimicry' have?
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"Molecular" has four syllables: mo-LEK-u-lar. "Mimicry" has three syllables: MIM-i-kree. Together, the phrase has seven syllables total.
What does 'molecular' mean in this term?
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"Molecular" refers to molecules—the tiny building blocks that make up proteins and other substances in our bodies. It comes from the Latin word "moles," which means "mass" or "lump."
What does 'mimicry' mean in this term?
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"Mimicry" means copying or imitating something. It comes from the Latin word "mimus," which means "actor" or "mimic." In this context, it refers to when one thing resembles or copies another.
What does 'molecular mimicry' mean in plain English?
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It's the idea that something harmful (like a germ) can look very similar to something in our body, which tricks the immune system into attacking our own cells by mistake. Think of it like a burglar wearing a police uniform—the body's defense system gets confused.
Can you use 'molecular mimicry' in a sentence?
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Here's an example: "Scientists are studying molecular mimicry to understand how infections might sometimes trigger the body to attack itself." This sentence shows the term being used in a scientific context without giving medical advice.
What are some related words I might hear with 'molecular'?
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You might hear "molecular biology" (the study of molecules in living things), "molecular weight" (how heavy a molecule is), or "molecular structure" (how a molecule is put together). They all use "molecular" the same way—to describe something at the level of molecules.