antibody

noun

an·​ti·​body ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So even if the titer tests don’t show high levels of antibodies, your immune memory cells may still be able to respond to the virus quickly, according to Offit. Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025 Quantitative immunoglobulins: This test measures the levels of antibodies in the blood. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Jan. 2025 But, for the first time, researchers have successfully managed to use an experimental vaccine to stimulate broadly neutralizing antibodies against many forms of the virus, paving the way for a potential vaccine. Rob Reddick, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024 Your immune system creates specific defenses called antibodies against the imitation pathogen — known as an antigen — introduced by the vaccine. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for antibody 

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antibody was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near antibody

Cite this Entry

“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

antibody

noun
an·​ti·​body ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce antibody (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on antibody

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