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
Di Carlo is using this technique to find antibodies — small proteins that fight diseases in your body — that could block signals put out by cancer cells.
—
ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
The researchers then infected the bats that had developed antibodies against rabies with the actual rabies virus.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
The theory behind the drug’s use is that some people with autism have specific antibodies that block folate from entering the brain.
—Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Lymphoid follicles produce antibodies, such as immunoglobulin A, to neutralize pathogens.
—Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
The researchers then infected the bats that had developed antibodies against rabies with the actual rabies virus.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
The theory behind the drug’s use is that some people with autism have specific antibodies that block folate from entering the brain.
—Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Lymphoid follicles produce antibodies, such as immunoglobulin A, to neutralize pathogens.
—Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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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