light chain

noun

Immunology. either of an identical pair of polypeptides in the antibody molecule that lie parallel to the upper parts of the heavy chain pair and are half the molecular weight.

Origin of light chain

First recorded in 1960–65

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

The trap was rather a poor one with a very light chain for a bear trap.
Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper | Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock
To prevent such a catastrophe, a light chain or cord was worn, under or over the dress, at the level of the knees or just above.
Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism | Thomas Inman
I had one of these fastened with a long light chain, and had an hut built to shelter him.
Buffon's Natural History. Volume V (of 10) | Georges Louis Leclerc de Buffon
Women were employed extensively in the light chain trade, also in lacquering in the brass trade, and in many other occupations.
Women in Modern Industry | B. L. Hutchins
At the head of them was a tall, slender knight clad in light chain armor, his head covered only by a steel cap or bascinet.
Otto of the Silver Hand | Howard Pyle

light chain

The smaller of the two types of polypeptide chains in an antibody molecule. A light chain consists of an antigen-binding portion with a variable amino acid sequence, and a constant region with an amino acid sequence that is relatively unchanging. The light chains are attached to the heavy chains so that the variable regions of both lie alongside each other. Compare heavy chain.

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