autoantibody

noun

au·​to·​an·​ti·​body ˌȯ-(ˌ)tō-ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē How to pronounce autoantibody (audio)
: an antibody active against a tissue constituent of the individual producing it

Examples of autoantibody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The health care provider will also run tests to find blood markers called autoantibodies, which help in confirming the diagnosis. Kevin Deane, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026 This includes the child’s age and other factors like the presence of proteins called islet autoantibodies in the bloodstream. Dr. Brittany Bruggeman, Boston Herald, 16 Nov. 2025 This chronic inflammation may be caused by lingering traces of virus in the body or by misdirected antibodies, known as autoantibodies, that attack a person’s own cells and tissues. Emily Mullin, Wired News, 14 Nov. 2025 There would also need to be a system to remind families to get their child checked for autoantibodies at certain intervals. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for autoantibody

Word History

Etymology

auto- + antibody

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autoantibody was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Autoantibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoantibody. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

autoantibody

noun
au·​to·​an·​ti·​body ˌȯt-(ˌ)ō-ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē How to pronounce autoantibody (audio)
plural autoantibodies
: an antibody active against a tissue constituent of the individual producing it

More from Merriam-Webster on autoantibody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster