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B cell

noun

, Biology.
  1. 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.
  2. Also called beta cell. a cell in the islet of Langerhans that produces and secretes insulin.


B-cell

noun

  1. another name for B-lymphocyte
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


B cell

  1. 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.
  2. Also called B lymphocyte
  3. Compare T cell


B-cell

  1. 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.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of B cell1

1970–75; B cell ( def 1 ) perhaps B(one-derived) ; B cell ( def 2 ) B(ursa of Langerhans-derived)

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B.C.E.B.Cer.E.