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killer cell
noun
: a lymphocyte (such as a killer T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity
Examples of killer cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The group of immune cells that surge during and after short bouts of exercise, which include neutrophils and natural-killer cells, serve as our frontline defense against invading viruses.
—Katarina Zimmer, Outside Online, 27 Mar. 2020
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Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near killer cell
Cite this Entry
“Killer cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20cell. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
killer cell
noun
: a lymphocyte (as a cytotoxic T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity
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