Antibodies
/ˌæntiˈbɒdiz/noun
Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize or destroy foreign substances like bacteria and viruses.
Did you know?The term 'antibody' comes from the early 20th century, but its roots reveal a deeper battle between the self and the foreign, almost like a magical shield!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀντί (antí)
“against, opposite”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βίος (biós)
“life”
19th Century
German
Antikörper
“counter body, referring to substances opposing pathogens”
20th Century
English
antibody
“a term coined to describe proteins that counteract foreign invaders in the body.”
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