B cell
noun Biology.
Also called B lymphocyte.
a type of lymphocyte, developed in bone marrow, that circulates in the blood and lymph and, upon encountering a particular foreign antigen, differentiates into a clone of plasma cells that secrete a specific antibody and a clone of memory cells that make the antibody on subsequent encounters.
Also called beta cell.
a cell in the islet of Langerhans that produces and secretes insulin.
Origin of B cell
1970–75;
(def 1) perhaps
B(one-derived);
(def 2)
B(ursa of Langerhans-derived)
British Dictionary definitions for b-cell
Medical definitions for b-cell
B cell
n.
beta cell
A type of lymphocyte that, when stimulated by a particular antigen, differentiates into plasma cells that synthesize the antibodies that circulate in the blood and react with the specific antigens.
B lymphocyte
Scientific definitions for b-cell
B cell
Any of the lymphocytes that develop into plasma cells in the presence of a specific antigen. The plasma cells produce antibodies that attack or neutralize the antigen in what is called the humoral immune response. B cells mature in the bone marrow before being released into the blood. Also called B lymphocyte Compare T cell.
Cultural definitions for b-cell
B-cell
One of two main types of immune system lymphocytes (compare T-cell). B-cells originate and develop in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the blood and lymph fluids, recognizing foreign bacteria, viruses, and toxins and binding to them to facilitate their disposal by other cells.