Main Entry: mast cell

Pronunciation: \ˈmast-\

Function: noun

Etymology: part translation of German Mastzelle, from Mast food, mast (from Old High German) + Zelle cell

Date: circa 1890

: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions