sickle cell

noun

: an abnormal red blood cell of crescent shape

Examples of sickle cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gene therapy is now being used for certain cancers and sickle cell anemia. —Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

Nathan Ampofo-Anim, 17, from the UK, battles sickle cell anemia between races. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Dec. 2025

While most cases may resolve without medical treatment within a few days, the illness can be more serious (and potentially fatal) for infants, senior adults, people with weakened immune systems and individuals living with sickle cell disease. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

In addition to chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21—an extra copy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome—tests also scan for life-altering diseases stemming from single-gene mutations like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sickle cell

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

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