platelet

noun

plate·​let ˈplāt-lət 

: a minute flattened body (as of ice or a mineral)

especially : a minute colorless disklike body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium

called also blood platelet, thrombocyte

Examples of platelet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Francis developed a low platelet count, a condition called platelopenia or thrombocytopenia. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

After receiving a plasma-rich platelet injection and going through rehab, Ashcraft showed up to Goodyear ready to compete for a spot on the roster. —C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

The blood transfusion was necessary because tests showed low platelet counts, associated with anemia, the Vatican said. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Leukemia affects the bone marrow's ability to produce normal blood cells, leading to a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), which can cause petechiae.9 How long does petechiae last? —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platelet

• blood platelet

Rhymes for platelet

• antiplatelet

Kids Definition

platelet

noun

plate·​let ˈplāt-lət 

: one of the tiny colorless disk-shaped bodies of the blood of mammals that assist in blood clotting

Medical Definition

platelet

noun

plate·​let ˈplāt-lət 

: a minute colorless anucleate disklike body of mammalian blood that is derived from fragments of megakaryocyte cytoplasm, that is released from the bone marrow into the blood, and that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium

called also blood platelet, thrombocyte