B cell

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 lymphocyte
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.
helper T cells that induce the proliferation of the antibody-producing B cells.N. A. Mitchison
… patients have no mature B cells circulating in the bloodstream and no antibodies to fight off infections.Jean Marx
compare t cell

Examples of B cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that impacts plasma B cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 Rao and his colleagues identified CD4 T cells — or pathogenic T cells — as the ones causing an imbalance of B cells. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024 The plasma cells then produce antibodies for the specific pathogen, while memory B cells ensure protection against future attacks from the same pathogen. Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024 The last drug, obinutuzumab, triggers innate immune responses that attack the cancerous B cells in DLBCL. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for B cell 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'B cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

B probably from bursa-derived (produced by the bursa of Fabricius)

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of B cell was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near B cell

Cite this Entry

“B cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B%20cell. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

B cell

noun
ˈbē-ˌsel
: any of the lymphocytes that produce antigen-binding antibodies and that arise and mature in the bone marrow compare t cell

Medical Definition

B cell

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

called also B lymphocyte

compare t cell

More from Merriam-Webster on B cell

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