B lymphocyte

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 cell

After contacting antigens, cells known as B lymphocytes mature and produce antibodies.

—David Baltimore and Carole Heilman

With lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune condition …, the B lymphocytes go out of control and begin producing all types of antibodies, which then begin to attack the body's immune cells.

—Betsy Sikora Siino

compare t lymphocyte

Examples of B lymphocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two types of lymphocytes: B and T. B lymphocytes protect the body by making proteins called antibodies to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body. —Doru Paul, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

B lymphocyte

noun

: B Cell

Medical Definition

B lymphocyte

noun

B lym·​pho·​cyte ˈbē-ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌsīt 

: b cell