immunoglobulin

American  

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

noun

1. 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.

2. the fraction of the blood serum containing antibodies.

3. an antibody. Ig

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immunoglobulin British  

/ ˌɪmjʊnəʊˈɡlɒbjʊlɪn /

noun

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

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immunoglobulin Scientific  

/ ĭm′yə-nō-glŏb′yə-lĭn,ĭ-myo̅o̅′- /

1. See antibody

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Etymology

Origin of immunoglobulin

First recorded in 1955–60; immuno- + globulin

Example Sentences

Analyst David Stanton says investors’ near-term focus is on CSL’s performance in immunoglobulin in the U.S. and in albumin in China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Famotidine, intravenous immunoglobulin, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are under investigation for neurological, immune-related, heart, and kidney symptoms.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026

She was admitted to the city's John Radcliffe Hospital and was given immunoglobulin.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2024

He was arrested on Friday for alleged involvement in the procurement of counterfeit intravenous human immunoglobulin, which is used to help fight infections and cancer, and was ordered held for investigation until Feb. 15.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2024

“They also had much higher inflammation in their blood markers, and they also had higher IgE levels, an immunoglobulin associated with reactive airway disease, asthma and other breathing problems.”

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2024