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
The new drug is an antibody, given as a 15-minute infusion once every three weeks.
—
Alice Park, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
One clinical trial reveals that their PD-1 and LAG-3-targeting antibodies can elicit a response in patients whose cancer has progressed after taking PD-1 targeting therapies.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
These antibodies confirm that a person has had an infection with a particular pathogen.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
Babies of mothers that did not receive the RSV vaccine can also benefit from an antibody known as Nirsevimab, which offers direct protection for about five months against RSV through pre-formed antibodies injected into the body.
—Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antibody 
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Alice Park, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
One clinical trial reveals that their PD-1 and LAG-3-targeting antibodies can elicit a response in patients whose cancer has progressed after taking PD-1 targeting therapies.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
These antibodies confirm that a person has had an infection with a particular pathogen.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
Babies of mothers that did not receive the RSV vaccine can also benefit from an antibody known as Nirsevimab, which offers direct protection for about five months against RSV through pre-formed antibodies injected into the body.
—Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antibody
Dictionary Entries Near antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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