plasma cell

American  

noun

1. Anatomy. an antibody-secreting cell, derived from B cells, that plays a major role in antibody-mediated immunity.

---

plasma cell Scientific  

1. A lymphocyte that originates from a B cell and produces antibodies as part of a humoral immune response.

2. See Note at antibody

---

Etymology

Origin of plasma cell

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does plasma-cell compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• plasma cell vs. lymphocyte

Example Sentences

Because both gases are small, nonpolar molecules, they freely travel across the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma cell membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

In this cancer, a type of white cell called a plasma cell creates abnormal fibers that can break down and form the characteristic saw-toothed fibers of amyloidosis.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2021

Facebook Twitter Pinterest A microscopic view of a plasma cell inside a blood vessel.

From The Guardian • Aug. 4, 2015

The antibodies of the plasma cell have the exact same antigen-binding site and specificity as their B cell precursors.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

There was an acute parenchymatous nephritis with focal plasma cell infiltrations suggesting acute interstitial nephritis.

From The Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Volume 10 by Various