# antibody

/ˈæntiˌbɑdi/ (US) · /ˈæntɪbˌɒdi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antibody
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a protein your body makes to fight off germs like viruses and bacteria. It locks onto the invader so your immune system can destroy it.

For teachers: a specialized Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to neutralize or mark pathogens for destruction.

## Examples

- Your body creates antibodies to fight the flu.
- The vaccine helps your immune system produce antibodies before you meet the virus.
- Researchers are studying how long the antibodies generated by the new treatment remain active in the bloodstream.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.