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Antibody: meaning, definitions and examples

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antibody

 

[ ˈæntɪˌbɒdi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

immune response

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances, such as pathogens. They recognize and bind to specific antigens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells. Antibodies play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanisms, aiding in the identification and neutralization of bacteria and viruses. There are various classes of antibodies, each with distinct functions and structures, which allows for a versatile immune response.

Synonyms

Ig, immunoglobulin, serum protein

Examples of usage

  • The body produces antibodies after vaccination.
  • Antibodies can neutralize toxins.
  • Blood tests can measure antibody levels.

Translations

Translations of the word "antibody" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anticorpo

🇮🇳 एंटीबॉडी

🇩🇪 Antikörper

🇮🇩 antibodi

🇺🇦 антитіло

🇵🇱 przeciwciało

🇯🇵 抗体

🇫🇷 anticorps

🇪🇸 anticuerpo

🇹🇷 antikor

🇰🇷 항체

🇸🇦 أجسام مضادة

🇨🇿 protilátka

🇸🇰 protilátka

🇨🇳 抗体

🇸🇮 protitelo

🇮🇸 antikörper

🇰🇿 антидене

🇬🇪 ანტიკორპუსი

🇦🇿 antikor

🇲🇽 anticuerpo

Word origin

The term 'antibody' was coined in the early 20th century by combining the prefix 'anti-', meaning against, and 'body', referring to its proteinaceous nature. The concept arose from the need to explain how the body recognizes and fights against foreign pathogens. The study of antibodies gained significant momentum after the discovery of their role in immune responses following the work of scientists such as Emil von Behring and Kitasato Shibasaburo, who demonstrated that serum from immunized animals could transfer immunity to others. Over the years, the understanding of antibodies has evolved, leading to advancements in medicine, including the development of vaccines and immunotherapies.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,995 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.