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

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 antibodies attach themselves to certain cells, triggering a systemwide reaction. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2024

The antibodies direct the viral particle to structures found on specific types of blood cells, thus improving the vehicle's precision. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

Those who got shots in two locations had a higher number of antibodies, the study found. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2024

One part of the drug, an antibody, blocks the GIP receptor, while the other part, two peptides, mimics a gut hormone called GLP-1. —Madison Muller, Fortune Well, 5 Feb. 2024

Cysticercosis cyst antibody tests returned positive, and the man was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, the study said. —Katherine Itoh, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing antibody

• monoclonal antibody

Kids 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