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B cell
noun
: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow : b lymphocyte
The glycoproteins produced by B cells, called antibodies or immunoglobulins, recognize and bind free antigens and are responsible for humoral immunity …—Haruo Saito et al.
… helper T cells that induce the proliferation of the antibody-producing B cells.—N. A. Mitchison
… patients have no mature B cells circulating in the bloodstream and no antibodies to fight off infections.—Jean Marx
compare t cell
Examples of B cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
A number of simpler strategies for killing B cells are now making their way from blood cancer to autoimmune disease.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024
These cells, the offspring of B cells, primarily reside in the bone marrow.
—Byjon Cohen, science.org, 11 Oct. 2024
Another challenge is that these B cells don’t actually produce broadly neutralizing responses at first.
—Annalisa Merelli and Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 17 May 2024
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that impacts plasma B cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
B probably from bursa-derived (produced by the bursa of Fabricius)
First Known Use
1962, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near B cell
Cite this Entry
“B cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B%20cell. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
B cell
nounˈbē-ˌsel
: any of the lymphocytes that produce antigen-binding antibodies and that arise and mature in the bone marrow compare t cell
Medical Definition
B cell
noun
: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow
called also B lymphocyte
compare t cellMore from Merriam-Webster on B cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about B cell
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