definitions

heavy chain

noun Immunology.

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

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Nearby words

heaviside unit function, heavy, heavy artillery, heavy bomber, heavy breather, heavy chain, heavy chain disease, heavy cream, heavy cruiser, heavy earth, heavy eye

Origin of heavy chain

First recorded in 1960–65
Also called H chain
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for h chain

heavy chain

noun

immunol a type of polypeptide chain present in an immunoglobulin molecule
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

Medicine definitions for h chain

heavy chain

[ hĕv′ē ]

n.

The larger of the two types of polypeptide chains in immunoglobulins, consisting of an antigen-binding portion having a variable amino acid sequence, and a constant region that defines the antibody class.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for h chain

heavy chain

[ hĕv′ē ]

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. Compare light chain.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.