immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin ˌi-myə-nō-ˈglä-byə-lən 

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. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 3 July 2025

On Saturday, Arnold ran a command center giving out immunoglobulin, or IG shots for eight babies who were exposed to measles at the same day care as Hal. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 17 July 2025

When the immunoglobulin attacks the allergen, your body releases histamine, a chemical critical to inflammation (which, again, is really important when you are actually exposed to a dangerous parasite or virus). —Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025

Additionally, a 2010 CDC study found exposure to vaccines and immunoglobulins that contain thimerosal, in prenatal or infant stages, does not increase risk for autism spectrum disorder. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + globulin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunoglobulin

• intravenous immunoglobulin

Rhymes for immunoglobulin

• antiglobulin
• lactoglobulin
• macroglobulin
• thyroglobulin
• globulin

Medical Definition

immunoglobulin

noun

im·​mu·​no·​glob·​u·​lin -ˈgläb-yə-lən 

: antibody

—abbreviation Ig