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
Puppies depend heavily on their mother's milk during the first few weeks, not just for nutrition but also for antibodies that help build their immune systems.
—
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
The same thing happens in people with long COVID who experience immune dysfunction, persistent immune cell activation, and autoimmune antibody production.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2025
One such therapy is an antibody drug that targets the molecule GDF-15, a protein that is thought to suppress appetite.
—Jalees Rehman, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
IgE blood test: This test checks for caffeine-specific IgE antibodies in your bloodstream, indicating an allergic response.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
The same thing happens in people with long COVID who experience immune dysfunction, persistent immune cell activation, and autoimmune antibody production.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2025
One such therapy is an antibody drug that targets the molecule GDF-15, a protein that is thought to suppress appetite.
—Jalees Rehman, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
IgE blood test: This test checks for caffeine-specific IgE antibodies in your bloodstream, indicating an allergic response.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 July 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 29 Jul. 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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