heavy chain

noun

, Immunology.

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

heavy chain

noun

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

heavy chain

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavy chain¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

He was covered in dark, full-body fur, horns curling out of his head, rattling his heavy chains at my sweet little boys.

From Washington Post

Each master wears a heavy chain collar comprised of links of different metals, each representing a different area of study.

From The Daily Beast

What was his astonishment at finding an enormous padlock and a heavy chain upon the door!

From Project Gutenberg

I was loaded with a heavy chain, which confined my legs, my companion the same, and we were left to our fate.

From Project Gutenberg

He found him sitting on the bare floor, with a heavy chain around his neck, and firmly fastened at the other end into the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

A house at Athens was haunted by a spirit which roamed through the apartments at night, seemingly dragging a heavy chain after it.

From Project Gutenberg

Their wrists were manacled, and, as a further precaution, a heavy chain bound their arms to their waists.

From Project Gutenberg