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
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, or white blood cells that help fight infections by producing antibodies, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—
Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by making proteins called antibodies.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
People can also receive neutralizing antibodies to fight the infection, experts advise.
—Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
This means that newborns, who are at especially high risk, can neither receive a vaccine nor be protected by antibodies passed down from the pregnant mother being vaccinated.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
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Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by making proteins called antibodies.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
People can also receive neutralizing antibodies to fight the infection, experts advise.
—Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
This means that newborns, who are at especially high risk, can neither receive a vaccine nor be protected by antibodies passed down from the pregnant mother being vaccinated.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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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