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
That’s because antibodies are just one part of your immune system’s infection-fighting force.
—
Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Immune globulins are products made from human antibodies that can provide immediate, short-term protection against measles for these groups.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
There is some preliminary data suggesting that having antibodies against norovirus in saliva correlates with protection from the virus.
—Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
One of the major achievements was the development of dengue virus antibodies in partnership with the Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN).
—Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Immune globulins are products made from human antibodies that can provide immediate, short-term protection against measles for these groups.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
There is some preliminary data suggesting that having antibodies against norovirus in saliva correlates with protection from the virus.
—Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
One of the major achievements was the development of dengue virus antibodies in partnership with the Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN).
—Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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