| self tolerance | The normal lack of the ability to produce an immunological response to autologous (self) antigens. A breakdown of self tolerance leads to autoimmune diseases. The ability to recognise the difference between self and non-self is the prime function of the immune system. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| subliminal self | The sum of the mental processes which take place without the conscious knowledge of the individual. Synonym: subconscious mind. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ear canal, self-cleaning | most of the time the ear canals are self-cleaning, that is, there is a slow and orderly migration of ear canal skin from the eardrum to the outer opening. Old earwax is constantly being transported from the deeper areas of the ear canal to the opening where it usually dries, flakes, and falls out. (12 Dec 1998) |