keratinocyte

noun

ke·​ra·​ti·​no·​cyte kə-ˈra-tə-nə-ˌsīt  ˌker-ə-ˈti- 

plural keratinocytes

: a cell of the epidermis that produces keratin, is formed in the basal epidermal layer above the dermis, divides to produce more keratinocytes, and ultimately migrates into the outer protective layers of the skin and undergoes final differentiation into a corneocyte

… keratinocytes gain their strength from fibrous proteins called keratins, which assemble into long, intertwined cables.

—Steven Lanier McKnight

Examples of keratinocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – collectively known as keratinocyte cancers – account for more than 97% of skin cancer cases, but invasive melanomas cause the most deaths. —Enrique Torchia, Fortune Well, 20 Aug. 2023

These vitamin D analogs bind to vitamin D receptors on keratinocytes, which are cells in the skin, to prevent or slow their growth, Lim said. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 25 July 2023

With acne, however, sebum, hair, and keratinocytes stick together in the pore. —Angela Palmer Updated, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023

The melanosomes arrive there during development, when the melanocytes transfer them into specialized cells called keratinocytes that give rise to feathers and hair. —Jakob Vinther, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

keratin + -o- + -cyte

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

keratinocyte

noun

ke·​ra·​ti·​no·​cyte kə-ˈrat-ᵊn-ə-ˌsīt  ˌker-ə-ˈtin- 

: an epidermal cell that produces keratin