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

Myeloid cells are immature white blood cells that develop into red blood cells, platelets, and certain white blood cells known as neutrophils. —Doru Paul, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

Every blood type is needed, but especially O-positive, O-negative and platelets, according to the blood bank. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2024

The rest is cellular matter, mainly platelets, essential for clotting after a cut or wound; white blood cells, to fight infection; and red blood cells, which not only give blood its tomato coloring, but also ferry oxygen-giving hemoglobin. —Byandrew Zaleski, science.org, 3 July 2024

In the morning, their blood was drawn to measure platelet activity. —Caroline Hopkins, NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platelet

• blood platelet

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