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 These include the antibody treatment from Biogen and Eisai, called Leqembi, which won full FDA approval last summer, and a similar therapy, Eli Lilly’s donanemab, which is poised to get FDA approval soon. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 And, most interestingly to the researchers, his repertoire of antibodies and immune cells was considerably larger than that of a typical vaccinated person, even if the precision of those immune responses remained effectively unchanged. Benjamin Mueller, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The teams then tested this antibody on animal models. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 Diagnosing Stiff Person Syndrome requires a multi-faceted approach that includes detailed physical examinations and a variety of tests to rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of characteristic antibodies and symptoms. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 The team did observe a decrease in the level of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients’ bodies after treatment, but two patients who received vaccines afterward saw those levels rise. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 This yellowish, nutrient-rich fluid is packed with antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients newborns need for everything ranging from immune health to gut health. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024 The signs were clear enough for the infant’s medical team, overseen by Burns, to start her on intravenous immunoglobulin, a concoction of human antibodies often used to help many types of patients fight off infections. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024 Parents are seeking out a valuable potion full of antibodies and protein for their young ones. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Feb. 2024

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

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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