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
Mothers transfer antibodies and immune modulators to their fetuses, providing critical protection at birth.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
There is evidence that some cows have antibodies to human flu viruses, which suggests the animals have been infected by these pathogens even if the viruses themselves haven’t been detected, Gaunt says.
—Chris Simms, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2025
In a subsequent study, 25 of 28 children with cerebral folate deficiency made these antibodies, while none of 28 typically developing children had them.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
In some cases, people with lower brain folate levels may have antibodies that bind to the folate receptors in the brain, blocking the ability of folate to function in the brain.
—Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
There is evidence that some cows have antibodies to human flu viruses, which suggests the animals have been infected by these pathogens even if the viruses themselves haven’t been detected, Gaunt says.
—Chris Simms, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2025
In a subsequent study, 25 of 28 children with cerebral folate deficiency made these antibodies, while none of 28 typically developing children had them.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
In some cases, people with lower brain folate levels may have antibodies that bind to the folate receptors in the brain, blocking the ability of folate to function in the brain.
—Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 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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