gamma globulin

noun

, Immunology.

1. a protein fraction of blood plasma that responds to stimulation of antigens, as bacteria or viruses, by forming antibodies: administered therapeutically in the treatment of some viral diseases.

gamma globulin

noun

1. any of a group of proteins in blood plasma that includes most known antibodies

gamma globulin

1. A class of globulins in the blood plasma of humans and other mammals that function as part of the body's immune system and include most antibodies.
2. A solution of this substance prepared from human blood and administered for immunization against measles, German measles, hepatitis A, and other infections.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamma globulin¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

We were herded into hastily set-up clinics to get shots of gamma globulin, which was thought to boost our immune systems.

From Salon

Instead, they lined us up in the hallways and gave us shots of gamma globulin to boost our immune systems.

From Salon

There was no “religious exemption” for a gamma globulin or polio vaccination.

From Washington Post

Convalescent plasma or gamma globulin — antibodies distilled from the blood of healthy donors — may also help immunocompromised people, although a version of the latter that includes antibodies to the coronavirus is still months from availability.

From New York Times

He was undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive drugs when he fell ill, and, during his illness, he received multiple rounds of additional treatment, with remdesivir nonimmune gamma globulin, and with monoclonal antibodies.

From Scientific American