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
Significantly more anti-fungal antibodies, for instance, would indicate fungal overgrowth or invasion.
—
Maggie Chen, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024
The common antivenom used to treat rattlesnake bites, for example, is made by immunizing donor animals such as horses or sheep with snake venom and then harvesting the antibodies produced by these animals, according to the World Health Organization.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2024
Each B vitamin has a different role in the immune system, but some important factors to note are their function in red blood cell formation, antibody production, and normal functioning of immune cells.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024
Evidence of developing neutralizing antibodies as a result of aesthetic use of Botox is scarce: A recent analysis found that the occurrence hovers around 0.5%.
—Taryn Brooke, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024
The antibodies your body forms the first time do not provide the same level of protection.
—Sarah Klein, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
The enveloped and the lentiviral vector displayed CD3, CD4 and CD28-targeting antibody fragments on their surface to target T cells.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Skye Bioscience’s antibody drug, nimacimab, targets the body’s endocannabinoid stem.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024
These include inhalers that deliver steroids to the lungs to tamp down inflammation but are not absorbed by the body and antibody treatments for autoimmune disorders.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024
Maggie Chen, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024
The common antivenom used to treat rattlesnake bites, for example, is made by immunizing donor animals such as horses or sheep with snake venom and then harvesting the antibodies produced by these animals, according to the World Health Organization.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2024
Each B vitamin has a different role in the immune system, but some important factors to note are their function in red blood cell formation, antibody production, and normal functioning of immune cells.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024
Evidence of developing neutralizing antibodies as a result of aesthetic use of Botox is scarce: A recent analysis found that the occurrence hovers around 0.5%.
—Taryn Brooke, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024
The antibodies your body forms the first time do not provide the same level of protection.
—Sarah Klein, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
The enveloped and the lentiviral vector displayed CD3, CD4 and CD28-targeting antibody fragments on their surface to target T cells.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Skye Bioscience’s antibody drug, nimacimab, targets the body’s endocannabinoid stem.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024
These include inhalers that deliver steroids to the lungs to tamp down inflammation but are not absorbed by the body and antibody treatments for autoimmune disorders.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 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.
Dictionary Entries Near antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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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