hybridoma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “hybridoma” mean?
A laboratory-produced cell, formed by fusing a specific antibody-producing B lymphocyte with a cancer cell (myeloma). The resulting cell line continuously produces identical monoclonal antibodies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A laboratory-produced cell, formed by fusing a specific antibody-producing B lymphocyte with a cancer cell (myeloma). The resulting cell line continuously produces identical monoclonal antibodies.
The term refers to both the immortal cell line and the specific type of cell-culture technique. It is a cornerstone technology in immunology, biotechnology, and medical diagnostics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical. Purely technical with no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare outside of specific scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hybridoma” in a Sentence
to generate a hybridomato fuse cells into a hybridomaa hybridoma producing antibodiesthe hybridoma techniqueVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hybridoma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researchers attempted to hybridoma the B cells.
- They are hybridoma-ing different cell types.
American English
- The lab will hybridoma the selected lymphocytes.
- The process of hybridoma-ing is complex.
adverb
British English
- The cells fused hybridomally.
- The antibodies were produced hybridoma-style.
American English
- The technique was performed hybridomally.
- They worked hybridoma-wise to generate clones.
adjective
British English
- The hybridoma culture required careful maintenance.
- We observed hybridoma cell proliferation.
American English
- The hybridoma technology was revolutionary.
- They used a hybridoma production method.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in biotech/pharma business contexts discussing drug development platforms, e.g., 'The company's hybridoma platform yields high-affinity antibodies.'
Academic
Standard term in immunology, molecular biology, and biomedical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in laboratory protocols for monoclonal antibody production, cell culture, and immunology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hybridoma”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hybridoma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hybridoma”
- Confusing 'hybridoma' (the cell) with 'monoclonal antibody' (the product). Mispronouncing the stress (stress is on 'do': hy-bri-DO-ma). Using it as a general term for any hybrid.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an artificial cell line created in a laboratory by fusing two different cells.
They are used as living factories to produce large quantities of identical (monoclonal) antibodies for research, diagnostics, and therapy.
It comes from the Greek suffix meaning 'tumor' or 'swelling', referring to the cancerous (myeloma) cell used in the fusion, which gives the hybridoma its 'immortal' ability to divide indefinitely.
Yes, though they are more difficult to create than murine (mouse) hybridomas. Human hybridomas are sought for producing therapeutic antibodies that are less likely to cause an immune reaction in patients.
A laboratory-produced cell, formed by fusing a specific antibody-producing B lymphocyte with a cancer cell (myeloma). The resulting cell line continuously produces identical monoclonal antibodies.
Hybridoma is usually scientific/technical in register.
Hybridoma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ.brɪˈdəʊ.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ.brɪˈdoʊ.mə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HYBRID (a mix) + OMA (as in lymphoma, a cancer) = a hybrid cancer cell used for antibody production.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'cellular factory' or 'immortal worker' perpetually manufacturing a specific tool (the antibody).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary product of a hybridoma cell?