mast cell

noun

ˈmast- 

: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (such as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions

Examples of mast cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are topical treatments that are antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers or a combination of both. —Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

Later, those mast cells split again, giving rise to red blood cells and prototypic T cells. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026

This happens because mast cells build up in your bone marrow and release chemical messengers that increase bone breakdown. —Brittany Dube, Health, 21 May 2026

Histamine is a chemical compound naturally produced by immune cells, including mast cells, in response to a threat like an allergen. —Kara Smythe, EverydayHealth.com, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Mastzelle, from Mast food, mast (from Old High German) + Zelle cell

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mast cell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Medical Definition

mast cell

noun

ˈmast- 

: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions