definitions

immunoglobulin

[ im-yuh-noh-glob-yuh-lin, ih-myoo- ]
/ ˌɪm yə noʊˈglɒb yə lɪn, ɪˌmyu- /

noun

any of several classes of structurally related proteins that function as antibodies or receptors and are found in plasma and other body fluids and in the membrane of certain cells.Compare IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM.
the fraction of the blood serum containing antibodies.
an antibody. Abbreviation: Ig

Nearby words

immunofluorescent stain, immunogen, immunogenetics, immunogenic, immunogenicity, immunoglobulin, immunohematology, immunohistochemistry, immunohistology, immunol., immunologic pregnancy test

Origin of immunoglobulin

First recorded in 1955–60; immuno- + globulin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for immunoglobulin

immunoglobulin

/ (ˌɪmjʊnəʊˈɡlɒbjʊlɪn) /

noun

any of five classes of proteins, all of which show antibody activity. The most abundant ones are immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA)
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 immunoglobulin

immunoglobulin

[ ĭm′yə-nō-glŏb′yə-lĭn, ĭ-myōō′- ]

n.

Any of a group of large glycoproteins secreted by plasma cells in vertebrates that function as antibodies in the immune response by binding the specific antigens.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for immunoglobulin

immunoglobulin

[ ĭm′yə-nō-glŏb′yə-lĭn, ĭ-myōō′- ]

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