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 In the weeks following the second dose, the researchers collected blood samples from participants and measured the number of antibodies in the body that were capable of fighting off the virus. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2024 Thirty Xist binding proteins have already been reported to be targets of antibodies in human autoimmune diseases, which is what spurred this study in the first place. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024 Complement system proteins work alongside antibodies, surveilling the bloodstream for infections. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2024 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

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 29 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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