lymphokine

noun

lym·pho·kine ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌkīn

: any of various substances (such as interleukin-2) of low molecular weight that are not antibodies, are secreted by T cells in response to stimulation by antigens, and have a role (such as the activation of macrophages or the enhancement or inhibition of antibody production) in cell-mediated immunity

Word History

Etymology

lymph- + -kine, from Greek kinein to move about — more at -kinesis

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lymphokine was in 1969

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lymphokine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lymphokine. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

lymphokine

noun

lym·pho·kine ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌkīn

: any of various substances (as an interleukin) of low molecular weight that are not antibodies, are secreted by T cells in response to stimulation by antigens, and have a role (as the activation of macrophages or the enhancement or inhibition of antibody production) in cell-mediated immunity