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leukocyte
noun
leu·ko·cyte
ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt
: any of the colorless blood cells of the immune system including the neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and their derivatives : white blood cell
Examples of leukocyte in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
People with leukemia have many abnormal white blood cells (leukocytes) in their blood.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 26 Sep. 2024
This medication targets an adhesion molecule called E-selectin with the goal of preventing leukocytes from sticking to blood vessels.
—Emily Sohn, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
According to research, the shock of the cold temperature causes the production of leukocytes in your body.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024
Some compounds found in colostrum include lactoferrin, lymphocytes, leukocytes, interleukins, growth factors, fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
—Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024
The shock of the cold water triggers the release of infection-fighting white blood cells called leukocytes, which hunt out and destroy any circulating viruses in your bloodstream.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2023
Starting in the 1980s, for example, researchers discovered that a type of leukocyte called a natural killer cell is abundant on the uterine side of the maternal-fetal interface.
—Adrian Erlebacher, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2017
The researchers looked at the gene expression in leukocytes, which are white blood cells made in the bone marrow that create proteins to ward off pathogens.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2023
The trophoblasts from the fetus maintain an ongoing dialogue with these leukocytes and other uterine cells to keep the placenta working properly.
—Adrian Erlebacher, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2017
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing leukocyte
Dictionary Entries Near leukocyte
Cite this Entry
“Leukocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukocyte. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
leukocyte
noun
leu·ko·cyte
ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt
Medical Definition
leukocyte
noun
leu·ko·cyte
variants
or chiefly British leucocyte
: any of the colorless blood cells of the immune system including the neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and their derivatives : white blood cell
More from Merriam-Webster on leukocyte
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leukocyte
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