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
When someone has it, their immune system goes into overdrive, producing more antibodies (or immunoglobulins, hence the name) than necessary that disrupt typical organ function.
—
David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
The real challenge is creating systems that allow promising concepts to survive contact with organizational antibodies or resistance and flourish in complex organizational environments.
—Mark Greeven, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Others have opened the blood-brain barrier to allow an antibody that is aimed to reduce beta amyloid, the plaques that form in the brains of people with the disease, with the objective to increase both the dose of the antibody and the volume of the brain that receives treatment.
—Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2025
Post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies in those who have not been vaccinated includes wound-washing, a dose of human rabies immune globulin -- a medication containing antibodies against the rabies virus -- and a four-dose rabies vaccine.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2025
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David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
The real challenge is creating systems that allow promising concepts to survive contact with organizational antibodies or resistance and flourish in complex organizational environments.
—Mark Greeven, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Others have opened the blood-brain barrier to allow an antibody that is aimed to reduce beta amyloid, the plaques that form in the brains of people with the disease, with the objective to increase both the dose of the antibody and the volume of the brain that receives treatment.
—Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2025
Post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies in those who have not been vaccinated includes wound-washing, a dose of human rabies immune globulin -- a medication containing antibodies against the rabies virus -- and a four-dose rabies vaccine.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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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