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

Crystal was formally diagnosed in 2023, through an immunoglobulin-E-antibodies blood test. — CBS News, 19 June 2026

Short for Canis familiaris allergen 1, Can f 1 prompts the human immune system to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that sets off the familiar cascade of allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026

In the absence of active lesions to swab for HSV itself, tests must evaluate the immune response to the virus in a patient’s blood, typically by screening for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. — Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026

The first involves immunoglobulin antibodies (IgE) that trigger immediate symptoms like wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 Apr. 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