plasma cell

American  

noun

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

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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

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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

Natural killer cells secrete cytokines, which help the B cell to multiply and mature into an antibody-producing plasma cell.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Most have a cell wall external to the plasma cell membrane, the composition of which can vary among groups, and many have additional structures such as flagella and pili.

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

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