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

Infants under 6 months who are exposed to measles can receive immunoglobulin, antibodies that can lessen or prevent illness, up to six days after the exposure but ideally sooner. —Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

In an allergy, immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to allergens (normally harmless substances that trigger an immune response in some people) may be detected in the blood. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

Quantitative immunoglobulins: This test measures the levels of antibodies in the blood. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Jan. 2025

An allergy blood test involves taking a blood sample for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. —Daniel More, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + globulin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunoglobulin

• intravenous immunoglobulin

Rhymes for immunoglobulin

• antiglobulin
• lactoglobulin
• macroglobulin
• thyroglobulin
• globulin

Medical Definition

immunoglobulin

noun

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

: antibody

—abbreviation Ig