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
The man had antibodies to both alpha-gal sugars and red meat.
—
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025
The researchers found that Epstein-Barr infects and reprograms B cells to produce antinuclear antibodies that attack the body’s own tissue, thereby causing lupus.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025
Scientists have found that billions of B cells—a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight pathogens—are affected when a person is infected with the virus.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 12 Nov. 2025
In two mouse models, tumors treated with the antibody grew significantly slower than groups that did not receive the treatment, the study showed.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025
The researchers found that Epstein-Barr infects and reprograms B cells to produce antinuclear antibodies that attack the body’s own tissue, thereby causing lupus.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025
Scientists have found that billions of B cells—a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight pathogens—are affected when a person is infected with the virus.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 12 Nov. 2025
In two mouse models, tumors treated with the antibody grew significantly slower than groups that did not receive the treatment, the study showed.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
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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