sickle cell

noun

: an abnormal red blood cell of crescent shape

Examples of sickle cell 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.
The patient with sickle cell disease who delayed care after losing his job and insurance, only to return critically ill with complications requiring intensive care. Uché Blackstock, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026 Mapillar Dahn-Flemister describes raising children with sickle cell disease like walking on eggshells. La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 Technological advancements in the medical field do offer big promise for wider groups of people, like mRNA vaccines that could address conditions such as diabetes or gene therapy for sickle cell disease, Swisher said. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026 Participants from the community, Travail with Us employees, clients and supporters will walk the perimeter of the park twice and then gather for a balloon release in memory of those who lost their lives due to complications from sickle cell disease. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 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 26 Apr. 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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