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corpuscle

noun
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cor·​pus·​cle | \ ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pə-səl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio) \

Definition of corpuscle

1 : a minute particle
2a : a living cell especially : one (such as a red or white blood cell or a cell in cartilage or bone) not aggregated into continuous tissues
b : any of various small circumscribed multicellular bodies
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Other Words from corpuscle

corpuscular \ kȯr-​ˈpə-​skyə-​lər How to pronounce corpuscular (audio) \ adjective

Examples of corpuscle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the 1990s Dr Semenza was studying erythropoiesis, the process that generates red blood corpuscles. — The Economist, "Batteries, exoplanets, cosmology and cell biology win Nobel laurels," 12 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'corpuscle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of corpuscle

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for corpuscle

borrowed from Latin corpusculum "small body, minute particle," from corpus-, base of corpor-, corpus "body" + -culum, diminutive suffix (variant of -ulus with nouns of the third, fourth and fifth declensions) — more at midriff

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Time Traveler for corpuscle

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The first known use of corpuscle was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Corpuscle.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corpuscle. Accessed 21 January 2020.

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More Definitions for corpuscle

corpuscle

noun
How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of corpuscle

biology : one of the cells that move in the body especially : a blood cell

See the full definition for corpuscle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

corpuscle

noun
cor·​pus·​cle | \ ˈkȯr-ˌpə-səl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio) \

Kids Definition of corpuscle

: a very small cell (as a red blood cell) that floats freely in the blood

corpuscle

noun
cor·​pus·​cle | \ ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pəs-əl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio) \

Medical Definition of corpuscle

1 : a living cell especially : one (as a red or white blood cell or a cell in cartilage or bone) not aggregated into continuous tissues
2 : any of various small circumscribed multicellular bodies —usually used with a qualifying term Malpighian corpuscles

Other Words from corpuscle

corpuscular \ kȯr-​ˈpəs-​kyə-​lər How to pronounce corpuscular (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on corpuscle

Spanish Central: Translation of corpuscle

Nglish: Translation of corpuscle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corpuscle

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