B lymphocyte

noun

: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow b cell
After contacting antigens, cells known as B lymphocytes mature and produce antibodies.David Baltimore and Carole Heilman
With lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune condition …, the B lymphocytes go out of control and begin producing all types of antibodies, which then begin to attack the body's immune cells.Betsy Sikora Siino
compare t lymphocyte

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of B lymphocyte was in 1971

Dictionary Entries Near B lymphocyte

Cite this Entry

“B lymphocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B%20lymphocyte. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

B lymphocyte

noun
: B Cell

Medical Definition

B lymphocyte

noun
B lym·​pho·​cyte ˈbē-ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌsīt How to pronounce B lymphocyte (audio)
: b cell
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY