a specialized protein produced by certain lymphocytes, esp. in response to the presence of an antigen, to neutralize, thus creating immunity to, specific antigens; immunoglobulin
See antibody in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(ănˈtĭ-bŏdˌē)
nounpl.an·ti·bod·ies
A Y-shaped protein on the surface of B cells that is secreted into the blood or lymph in response to an antigenic stimulus, such as a bacterium, virus, parasite, or transplanted organ, and that neutralizes the antigen by binding specifically to it; an immunoglobulin.
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antibody
When bacteria enter a flesh wound, a B lymphocyte releases antibodies, which collect the bacteria and direct them toward a macrophage for destruction.