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
Researchers found a higher presence of viral antibodies coupled with attending mass gatherings and having extensive contact with others.
—
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 May 2026
While children do receive some protection from their mothers, antibodies transferred through the placenta wane after birth.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Daniel and Bob Glück accompanied Ed to receive his HIV antibody results.
—Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 6 May 2026
Those pollen proteins become problems when the immune system develops an allergic antibody known as IgE to these proteins.
—Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 May 2026
While children do receive some protection from their mothers, antibodies transferred through the placenta wane after birth.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Daniel and Bob Glück accompanied Ed to receive his HIV antibody results.
—Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 6 May 2026
Those pollen proteins become problems when the immune system develops an allergic antibody known as IgE to these proteins.
—Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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