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antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
Examples of antibody in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Your immune system creates specific defenses called antibodies against the imitation pathogen — known as an antigen — introduced by the vaccine.
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Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025
Your blood may show signs of multiple myeloma, like abnormal levels of specific proteins or antibodies.
—
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Jan. 2025
Fink acknowledged the challenges of antibodies getting to the GI tract and said the company’s actively monitoring that as part of its development process.
—
Alex Knapp, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
People with multiple myeloma may overproduce some antibodies.
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Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1894, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing antibody
Dictionary Entries Near antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
: a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur
Medical Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
plural antibodies
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
More from Merriam-Webster on antibody
Nglish: Translation of antibody for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antibody
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