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

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of B lymphocyte was in 1971

Dictionary Entries Near B lymphocyte

Cite this Entry

“B lymphocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B%20lymphocyte. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

B lymphocyte

noun
: B Cell

Medical Definition

B lymphocyte

noun
B lym·​pho·​cyte ˈbē-ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌsīt How to pronounce B lymphocyte (audio)
: b cell
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!