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

But the concentration of immunoglobulins in bovine milk is low to begin with, and the temperature at which milk is pasteurized has no impact on them, says the FDA. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024

These proteins, such as immunoglobulins that support the immune system, are thought to help digestion and boost the immune system. —Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Types of Antibodies There are five different types of antibodies, which are known as immunoglobulins. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

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

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