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

Inconclusive medications included cannabinoids (compounds found in cannabis), immunoglobulins (drugs that contain antibodies), muscle relaxants, opioids, and ozone injections. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Infants younger than 6 months can receive immunoglobulin after exposure, too. —Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025

If exposed to measles, this population receives immunoglobulins — protein antibodies that help the immune system fight off harmful agents. —Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025

The benefits of colostrum lie in its nutrient-rich composition, including protein, fat, sugar, white blood cells, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B, C, and E, per Dr. Murphy-Rose. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 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