corpuscle

noun

cor·​pus·​cle ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pə-səl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
1
: a minute particle
2
a
: 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
corpuscular 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, 12 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corpuscle.' 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

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

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of corpuscle was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near corpuscle

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

corpuscle

noun
cor·​pus·​cle ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pəs-əl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
1
: a very small particle
2
: one of the very small cells (as a red blood cell) that float freely in the blood
corpuscular adjective

Medical Definition

corpuscle

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

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