B cell

noun

, Biology.

1. Also called B lymphocyte. a type of lymphocyte, developed in bone marrow, that circulates in the blood and lymph and, upon encountering a particular foreign antigen, differentiates into a clone of plasma cells that secrete a specific antibody and a clone of memory cells that make the antibody on subsequent encounters.
2. Also called beta cell. a cell in the islet of Langerhans that produces and secretes insulin.

B-cell

noun

1. See B-lymphocyte
   another name for B-lymphocyte

B cell

1. Any of the lymphocytes that develop into plasma cells in the presence of a specific antigen. The plasma cells produce antibodies that attack or neutralize the antigen in what is called the humoral immune response . B cells mature in the bone marrow before being released into the blood.
2. Also called B lymphocyte
3. Compare T cell

B-cell

1. One of two main types of immune system lymphocytes ( compare T-cell ). B-cells originate and develop in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the blood and lymph fluids, recognizing foreign bacteria , viruses , and toxins and binding to them to facilitate their disposal by other cells.

Word History and Origins

Origin of B cell¹

1970–75; B cell ( def 1 ) perhaps B(one-derived) ; B cell ( def 2 ) B(ursa of Langerhans-derived)