leukocyte

noun

leu·​ko·​cyte ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt How to pronounce leukocyte (audio)
: any of the colorless blood cells of the immune system including the neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and their derivatives : white blood cell
leukocytic adjective

Examples of leukocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People with leukemia have many abnormal white blood cells (leukocytes) in their blood. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 26 Sep. 2024 This medication targets an adhesion molecule called E-selectin with the goal of preventing leukocytes from sticking to blood vessels. Emily Sohn, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 According to research, the shock of the cold temperature causes the production of leukocytes in your body. Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024 Some compounds found in colostrum include lactoferrin, lymphocytes, leukocytes, interleukins, growth factors, fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024 The shock of the cold water triggers the release of infection-fighting white blood cells called leukocytes, which hunt out and destroy any circulating viruses in your bloodstream. Georgia Day, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2023 Starting in the 1980s, for example, researchers discovered that a type of leukocyte called a natural killer cell is abundant on the uterine side of the maternal-fetal interface. Adrian Erlebacher, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2017 The researchers looked at the gene expression in leukocytes, which are white blood cells made in the bone marrow that create proteins to ward off pathogens. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2023 The trophoblasts from the fetus maintain an ongoing dialogue with these leukocytes and other uterine cells to keep the placenta working properly. Adrian Erlebacher, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leukocyte was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near leukocyte

Cite this Entry

“Leukocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukocyte. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

leukocyte

noun
leu·​ko·​cyte ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt How to pronounce leukocyte (audio)

Medical Definition

leukocyte

noun
leu·​ko·​cyte
variants or chiefly British leucocyte
: any of the colorless blood cells of the immune system including the neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and their derivatives : white blood cell

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