immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin ˌi-myə-nō-ˈglä-byə-lən How to pronounce immunoglobulin (audio)
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 People exposed to measles who cannot document immunity against the virus should get post-exposure prophylaxis — a dose of the vaccine to potentially provide protection within 72 hours of initial exposure, or immunoglobulin within six days of exposure. Detroit Free Press, 27 Feb. 2024 Her study also found elevated levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin E, which have been linked to allergies. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024 Exposure to the allergen triggers the body to produce toxic antibodies immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M that can destroy cells and tissues, according to Susan Schuval, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Stony Brook Medicine in New York. Marygrace Taylor, SELF, 29 Mar. 2022 Your doctor might also opt to give you a medicine called immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to reduce your risk of severe illness. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 It is known for its high levels of immunoglobulins, or antibodies, which help boost the immune system. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023 This early milk contains high levels of immunoglobulin G, a type of antibody that helps ward off infections and illness. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023 Colostrum is the first milk produced by cows after giving birth, and it is loaded with immunoglobulins, growth factors, and nutrients that can boost the immune system and promote gut health. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023 Research has revealed that colostrum contains more protein than regular milk along with higher concentrations of immunoglobulins for improved immunity- especially in newborns! Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'immunoglobulin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + globulin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immunoglobulin was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near immunoglobulin

Cite this Entry

“Immunoglobulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunoglobulin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

immunoglobulin

noun
im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin -ˈgläb-yə-lən How to pronounce immunoglobulin (audio)
: antibody
abbreviation Ig

More from Merriam-Webster on immunoglobulin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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