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B cell

noun

Definition of B cell

: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow : b lymphocyte The glycoproteins produced by B cells, called antibodies or immunoglobulins, recognize and bind free antigens and are responsible for humoral immunity …— Haruo Saito et al. … helper T cells that induce the proliferation of the antibody-producing B cells.— N. A. Mitchison … patients have no mature B cells circulating in the bloodstream and no antibodies to fight off infections.— Jean Marx — compare t cell

First Known Use of B cell

1962, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for B cell

B probably from bursa-derived (produced by the bursa of Fabricius

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More Definitions for B cell

B cell

noun

Medical Definition of B cell

: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow

— called also B lymphocyte

— compare t cell

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