light chain
noun
: either of the two smaller of the four polypeptide chains comprising antibodies compare heavy chain
Examples of light chain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells make abnormal proteins called monoclonal light chains.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
This is typically done through serum and urine tests to detect abnormal free light chains and monoclonal proteins.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025
As those scans didn't reveal anything out of the ordinary, doctors ordered a blood test for neurofilament light chain levels, which are often elevated in cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
This should eliminate the cells that were spewing out the problem light chain protein.
—Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2023
Two of the key markers — kappa/lambda light chain and of monoclonal protein in the bone marrow — are down from wildly high to within sight of normal.
—Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
This is typically done through serum and urine tests to detect abnormal free light chains and monoclonal proteins.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025
As those scans didn't reveal anything out of the ordinary, doctors ordered a blood test for neurofilament light chain levels, which are often elevated in cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
This should eliminate the cells that were spewing out the problem light chain protein.
—Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2023
Two of the key markers — kappa/lambda light chain and of monoclonal protein in the bone marrow — are down from wildly high to within sight of normal.
—Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Light chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20chain. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share