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

Other diseases that cause similar symptoms and findings include lupus, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and less common conditions like neuromyelitis optica and MOG antibody disease. — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

This is when deposits containing an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) build up in the filters. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026

But the low rates of protection among adults in the community also mean vulnerable infants are more likely to be born without protective maternal antibodies. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Existing antivenoms are generally produced by immunizing animals, including horses, with venom and extracting antibodies from their blood. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

anti- + body entry 1, after German Antikörper

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing antibody

• monoclonal antibody

Rhymes for antibody

• afterbody
• busybody
• everybody
• autoantibody
• bawdy
• body
• gaudy
• khadi
• mahdi
• noddy
• oddi
• shoddy

Kids 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