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
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The farm’s owners disputed the CFIA’s conclusions, arguing that the ostriches that survived the flu might offer disease-fighting antibodies for research – an idea that Kennedy endorsed in his letter to the CFIA in May after meeting with Canadian officials.
—
Max Saltman, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Scientists have created a new antibody treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack pancreatic cancer.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Their findings suggest that broader protection against elapid snakebites using fewer ingredients is on the horizon, contradicting the popular theory that the best antivenoms require large (and costly) amounts of antibodies.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
Avidity specializes in developing an innovative class of ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics called antibody oligonucleotide conjugates.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
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Max Saltman, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Scientists have created a new antibody treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack pancreatic cancer.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Their findings suggest that broader protection against elapid snakebites using fewer ingredients is on the horizon, contradicting the popular theory that the best antivenoms require large (and costly) amounts of antibodies.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
Avidity specializes in developing an innovative class of ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics called antibody oligonucleotide conjugates.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Oct. 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 11 Nov. 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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