basophil

noun

ba·​so·​phil ˈbā-sə-ˌfil 

-zə-

variants or less commonly basophile

ˈbā-sə-ˌfī(-ə)l 

-zə-

: a basophilic substance or structure

especially : a white blood cell containing basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell

Examples of basophil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The antibodies hold onto white blood cells, called mast cells and basophils. — Maureen Langley, Post-Tribune, 3 July 2018

IgE can bind to the surface of mast cells or basophils (types of white blood cells) and trigger hypersensitive reactions in response to allergens. — Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

noun derivative of basophil, basophile "basophilic," borrowed from German basophil, from Base base entry 1 or basisch basic entry 1 + -o- -o- + -phil -phil entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for basophil

• carboxyl
• daffodil
• neutrophil
• overkill
• overspill
• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill

Medical Definition

basophil

noun

ba·​so·​phil ˈbā-sə-ˌfil  -zə- 

variants also basophile

-ˌfīl 

: a basophilic substance or structure

especially : a white blood cell with basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell