mast cell

noun

: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (such as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions

Examples of mast cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, mast cells are covered in receptors for estrogen and progesterone, Wada says. Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 29 Aug. 2025 Compared to mast cells elsewhere in the body, mast cells in the gut were primed to make leukotrienes. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 The meeting further presented the extraordinary evidence that effective treatments for these issues are already available, such as anti-histamines, probiotics, mast cell stabilisers – simple, cheap, low risk medications which have made the difference between someone working and not working. Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 They have also previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, endometriosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), Sjogren’s syndrome, and MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome). Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mast cell

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Mastzelle, from Mast food, mast (from Old High German) + Zelle cell

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mast cell was circa 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mast cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mast%20cell. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

mast cell

noun
: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions

More from Merriam-Webster on mast cell

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