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
The facts Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease in which the immune system turns on the body, producing antibodies that attack the skin, joints, kidneys, brain or other organs.
—
Richard Sima, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, colostrum contains powerful antibodies and antioxidants instrumental in building a newborn’s immune system.
—Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 9 July 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, multiple myeloma happens when healthy plasma cells become abnormal and produce abnormal antibodies, leading to medical issues and conditions that can affect bones, kidneys and the body’s ability to make blood cells and platelets.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 9 July 2024
Typically, plasma cells help fight infections by producing antibodies.
—Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for antibody 
Richard Sima, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, colostrum contains powerful antibodies and antioxidants instrumental in building a newborn’s immune system.
—Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 9 July 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, multiple myeloma happens when healthy plasma cells become abnormal and produce abnormal antibodies, leading to medical issues and conditions that can affect bones, kidneys and the body’s ability to make blood cells and platelets.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 9 July 2024
Typically, plasma cells help fight infections by producing antibodies.
—Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for antibody
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antibody.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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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