antibody
|an/ti/bod/y|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈæn.tiˌbɑː.di/
🇬🇧
/ˈæn.tiˌbɒd.i/
immune defense protein
Etymology
Etymology Information
'antibody' originates from the combination of 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'body,' referring to the organism or pathogen.
Historical Evolution
'Antibody' was coined in the late 19th century to describe the body's defense mechanism against pathogens.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a substance that counteracts a specific antigen,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a protein produced by the immune system to neutralize or destroy toxins or disease-causing organisms.
The presence of antibodies in the blood indicates an immune response to an infection.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42