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

Melody was given a platelet transfusion before being transferred to a Paediatric Intensive Care unit in Southampton. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

Blood-Thinning Supplements Turmeric has antiplatelet properties, which keep platelet blood cells from sticking together and clotting the blood. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2025

Tavalisse treats patients with low platelet counts due to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025

Morton said that there are no plans to reduce the labor force, and part of the reason is that the new machines are better at separating platelets and white blood cells, components that are used in cancer treatment and research, respectively. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 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