B cell

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noun Biology.

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.

Also called beta cell. a cell in the islet of Langerhans that produces and secretes insulin.

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Origin of B cell

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

Words nearby B cell

BCA, BCAR, bcc, BCD, B.C.E., B cell, B.Cer.E., BCF, BCG, BCG vaccine, bch.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for B cell

B-cell

noun

another name for B-lymphocyte

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for B cell

B cell

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. Also called B lymphocyte Compare T cell.

Cultural definitions for B cell

B-cell

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.