sickle cell

noun

: an abnormal red blood cell of crescent shape

Examples of sickle cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Maryland lawmakers have the power to stand up for the thousands of sickle cell warriors. Teanika D. Hoffman, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2026 Their older brother, Carmani Boozer, was born with sickle cell anemia but through IVF his genetic matches were found in his twin brothers and was the eventual cure for his disease, ESPN reported. Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026 Legacy of philanthropy and creativity Shepard founded The KIS Foundation in 2006 to raise awareness for sickle cell disease, which predominantly impacts people of color. Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 People who have sickle cell trait carry the gene for sickle cell disease but do not have the symptoms of the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sickle cell

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sickle cell was circa 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Sickle cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sickle%20cell. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

sickle cell

noun
: an abnormal red blood cell that is crescent-shaped

Medical Definition

sickle cell

noun
1
: an abnormal rigid, sticky red blood cell of crescent shape
2
: a condition characterized by sickle cells : sickle cell anemia, sickle-cell trait
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