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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for B cell 

Word History

Etymology

B probably from bursa-derived (produced by the bursa of Fabricius)

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of B cell was in 1962

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 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

B cell

noun
ˈbē-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 cell

More from Merriam-Webster on B cell

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