heavy chain

American  

noun

Immunology.

1. either of an identical pair of Y -shaped polypeptides that, together with the light chains, constitute the antibody molecule.

---

heavy chain British  

noun

1. immunol a type of polypeptide chain present in an immunoglobulin molecule

---

heavy chain Scientific  

/ hĕv′ē /

1. The larger of the two types of polypeptide chains in an immunoglobulin molecule. A heavy chain consists of an antigen-binding portion having a variable amino acid sequence, and a constant region that is different for each class of imunoglobulin. Each heavy chain is one of a Y-shaped identical pair and is attached along its variable region to a smaller light chain.

2. Compare light chain

---

Etymology

Origin of heavy chain

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Parts of Guangxi's coastal and eastern regions, as well as southwestern Guangdong, will continue to be hit by heavy rain on Wednesday, Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying said Tuesday.

From Barron's • Jul. 7, 2026

During heavy rain, however, excess water is directed down 5 Shaft into a deep underground pool where it can later be pumped out.

From Science Daily • Jul. 6, 2026

Extreme temperatures can reduce battery performance, while heavy rain, snow and fog interfere with the cameras and sensors that autonomous vehicles rely on.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026

There has been heavy rain in Mexico City during the day and reports of lightning above the Azteca Stadium, which is staging the match.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2026

The horses slowed to the slowest walk as the path became a stream, and the heavy rain cut off all vision as effectively as the thickest fog.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman