immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin ˌi-myə-nō-ˈglä-byə-lən 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

: antibody

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.

—abbreviation Ig

Examples of immunoglobulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

IgG is also the only immunoglobulin that can cross the placenta and protect growing infants for up to six months after birth. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

These include the following: Encourage passive immunity: Passive immunity occurs when immunoglobulins develop in response to an emergency. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

Four years ago, hoffman was diagnosed with a selective immunoglobulin A deficiency, which weakens their immune system. —Timmy Broderick, STAT, 16 Aug. 2024

An immunoglobulins test result from November 2018 provided to CNBC by Schmitt shows high levels of antibodies in her blood from exposure to aspergillus niger, a common mold. —Genna Contino, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + globulin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunoglobulin

• intravenous immunoglobulin

Medical Definition

immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin -ˈgläb-yə-lən 

: antibody

—abbreviation Ig