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killer cell
noun
: a lymphocyte (such as a killer T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity
Examples of killer cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Last year, the researchers announced that natural-killer cell activity, CD8 T-cell counts and other immune functions improved significantly with the treatment.
—Kenneth Miller, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2013
The group of immune cells that surge during and after short bouts of exercise, which include neutrophils and natural-killer cells, serve as our frontline defense against invading viruses.
—Katarina Zimmer, Outside Online, 27 Mar. 2020
The checkpoint inhibitors allow powerful immune cells to recognize and hone in on cancer cells and co-opt killer cells to destroy them.
—Alice Park, Time, 12 July 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'killer cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near killer cell
Cite this Entry
“Killer cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20cell. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
killer cell
noun
: a lymphocyte (as a cytotoxic T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity
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