antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē 
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
Examples of antibody in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a 2019 study, Mina and his team found that a measles infection can wreck anywhere from 11% to 73% of a person’s antibody stockpile, depending on how severe the infection.
—
Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 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
During the pandemic, Continuum became the first location to offer antibody testing to residents with a dedicated COVID-19 medical clinic, working in partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and Pure Pharmacy.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
An antibody titer test is a blood test that can check your immunity to the measles virus.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 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
During the pandemic, Continuum became the first location to offer antibody testing to residents with a dedicated COVID-19 medical clinic, working in partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and Pure Pharmacy.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
An antibody titer test is a blood test that can check your immunity to the measles virus.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
: a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur
Medical Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
plural antibodies
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
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