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hairy cell leukemia
noun
: a chronic leukemia that is usually of B cell origin and is characterized by malignant cells with a ciliated appearance
Examples of hairy cell leukemia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, interferon alpha was initially approved only for use in patients with a rare disease called hairy cell leukemia, but it was found to be very useful for many other diseases.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 July 2023
The California case involved a patient by the name of John Moore, who was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia in 1976.
—Delthia Ricks, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2010
People with hairy cell leukemia often have an enlarged spleen.
—Barbara Brody, Health.com, 30 Sep. 2021
This leukemia symptom is most apt to occur with one particular type called hairy cell leukemia.
—Barbara Brody, Health.com, 29 Sep. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1970, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of hairy cell leukemia was
in 1970
Dictionary Entries Near hairy cell leukemia
Cite this Entry
“Hairy cell leukemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairy%20cell%20leukemia. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
hairy cell leukemia
noun
: a chronic leukemia that is usually of B cell origin and is characterized by malignant cells with a ciliated appearance that replace bone marrow and infiltrate the spleen causing splenomegaly
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