killer cell

noun

: a lymphocyte (such as a killer T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity

Example Sentences

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

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

killer cell

noun

: a lymphocyte (as a cytotoxic T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity