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

Kids Definition

B lymphocyte

noun

: B Cell

Medical Definition

B lymphocyte

noun

B lym·​pho·​cyte ˈbē-ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌsīt 

: b cell