immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin ˌi-myə-nō-ˈglä-byə-lən 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

: antibody

The glycoproteins produced by B-cells, called antibodies or immunoglobulins, recognize and bind free antigens and are responsible for humoral immunity …

—Haruo Saito et al.

—abbreviation Ig

Examples of immunoglobulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use of rabies immunoglobulins — given immediately after exposure to keep the virus from taking root — jumped 76% year-over-year. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis includes washing the wound in question, receiving the human rabies vaccine, and, if necessary, rabies immunoglobulins, according to the World Health Organization. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Diagnosis and Management Diagnosing alpha-gal syndrome requires a specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) blood test to confirm, since routine labs, imaging, and allergy workups often yield inconclusive results. — Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 27 July 2026

Another cost comes from the rabies immunoglobulin, which is administered to help the immune system fight the virus until the vaccine kicks in. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + globulin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunoglobulin

• intravenous immunoglobulin

Rhymes for immunoglobulin

• antiglobulin
• lactoglobulin
• macroglobulin
• thyroglobulin
• globulin

Medical Definition

immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin -ˈgläb-yə-lən 

: antibody

—abbreviation Ig