Allograft

/ˈæloʊˌɡræft/ noun

Definition

A tissue or organ transplanted from one person to another person of the same species, such as a kidney transplant from a donor.

Etymology

From Greek 'allo-' (other) + English 'graft,' originally combining with Latin 'graphia' (writing/grafting); the medical term emerged in the 1950s to distinguish it from autografts (self-grafting).

Kelly Says

Allografts have saved millions of lives, but here's the biological challenge: your immune system's job is to recognize 'you' and attack 'not-you,' so your body naturally wants to reject a donated kidney, heart, or cornea unless doctors suppress that immune response.

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