immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin ˌi-myə-nō-ˈglä-byə-lən 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

: antibody

The glycoproteins produced by B-cells, called antibodies or immunoglobulins, recognize and bind free antigens and are responsible for humoral immunity …

—Haruo Saito et al.

—abbreviation Ig

Examples of immunoglobulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Replacement immunoglobulin therapy provides a patient with antibodies when their body can’t make them on its own, enabling them to better fight off infection. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 15 Dec. 2025

Whether to reaffirm the current standard recommending a birth dose of vaccine and immunoglobulin for children of women whose hepatitis B status is unknown. —Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025

These included cholesterol levels, blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation markers, and immunoglobulin A (IgA). —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025

While vaccines can take a week or two to take full effect, immunoglobulin provides immediate protection from the virus, Wang said. —Liz Szabo, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + globulin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunoglobulin

• intravenous immunoglobulin

Rhymes for immunoglobulin

• antiglobulin
• lactoglobulin
• macroglobulin
• thyroglobulin
• globulin

Medical Definition

immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin -ˈgläb-yə-lən 

: antibody

—abbreviation Ig