leukocyte

noun

leu·​ko·​cyte ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt How to pronounce leukocyte (audio)
: any of the colorless blood cells of the immune system including the neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and their derivatives : white blood cell
leukocytic adjective

Examples of leukocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some compounds found in colostrum include lactoferrin, lymphocytes, leukocytes, interleukins, growth factors, fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024 The shock of the cold water triggers the release of infection-fighting white blood cells called leukocytes, which hunt out and destroy any circulating viruses in your bloodstream. Georgia Day, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2023 Starting in the 1980s, for example, researchers discovered that a type of leukocyte called a natural killer cell is abundant on the uterine side of the maternal-fetal interface. Adrian Erlebacher, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2017 The researchers looked at the gene expression in leukocytes, which are white blood cells made in the bone marrow that create proteins to ward off pathogens. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2023 The trophoblasts from the fetus maintain an ongoing dialogue with these leukocytes and other uterine cells to keep the placenta working properly. Adrian Erlebacher, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2017 Scientists analyze the human leukocyte antigens (HLA), which are proteins -- or markers -- found on the surface of most cells in the body and make up a person's tissue type. Armando Garcia, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2021 Miescher would then wash the pus off the bandages and filter out the leukocytes in order to determine the exact proteins in white blood cells. Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, 11 Dec. 2019 The manufacture of white blood cells, or leukocytes, also seems to be regulated by the clock. Quanta Magazine, 30 May 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leukocyte.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leukocyte was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near leukocyte

Cite this Entry

“Leukocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukocyte. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

leukocyte

noun
leu·​ko·​cyte ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt How to pronounce leukocyte (audio)

Medical Definition

leukocyte

noun
leu·​ko·​cyte
variants or chiefly British leucocyte
: any of the colorless blood cells of the immune system including the neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and their derivatives : white blood cell

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