The state of being abnormally sensitive. It often refers to an extreme reaction to a pathogen (e.g., the formation of local lesions by a virus or the necrotic response of a leaf to bacterial infection). Found on http://ppathw3.cals.cornell.edu/glossary/Defs_H.htm
Usually used to characterise a host whose initial reactions to infection are so strong as to limit further development of the invading parasite. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/visitor-contributions.php