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
For example, researchers are exploring antibody therapies to treat severe measles.
—
Peter Kasson, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
One Medical labs also offer tests to measure the level of antibodies to measles in a person's blood, which can determine vaccination needs.
—Anna Spiegel, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
Before 12 months, vulnerable infants in the US have been protected in part by maternal antibodies early in infancy as well as the immunity of the people surrounding them.
—Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
When their mothers have immunity against measles, babies younger than 6 months will have some immunity via her antibodies.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Peter Kasson, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
One Medical labs also offer tests to measure the level of antibodies to measles in a person's blood, which can determine vaccination needs.
—Anna Spiegel, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
Before 12 months, vulnerable infants in the US have been protected in part by maternal antibodies early in infancy as well as the immunity of the people surrounding them.
—Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
When their mothers have immunity against measles, babies younger than 6 months will have some immunity via her antibodies.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 12 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 16 Apr. 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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