basophil

noun

ba·​so·​phil ˈbā-sə-ˌfil 

-zə-

variants or less commonly basophile

ˈbā-sə-ˌfī(-ə)l 

-zə-

: a basophilic substance or structure

especially : a white blood cell containing basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell

Examples of basophil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

IgE can bind to the surface of mast cells or basophils (types of white blood cells) and trigger hypersensitive reactions in response to allergens. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024

The antibodies hold onto white blood cells, called mast cells and basophils. —Maureen Langley, Post-Tribune, 3 July 2018

Word History

Etymology

noun derivative of basophil, basophile "basophilic," borrowed from German basophil, from Base base entry 1 or basisch basic entry 1 + -o- -o- + -phil -phil entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

basophil

noun

ba·​so·​phil ˈbā-sə-ˌfil  -zə- 

variants also basophile

-ˌfīl 

: a basophilic substance or structure

especially : a white blood cell with basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell