white blood cell

noun

: any of the blood cells that are colorless, lack hemoglobin, contain a nucleus, and include the lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils

called also leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, white cell

compare red blood cell

Examples of white blood cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers identified a biological pathway involving transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), a protein produced by white blood cells that plays a role in the immune system. —New Atlas, 20 Nov. 2024

Together, these nutrients can support the development of a strong immune system by regenerating and increasing your white blood cells, which defend your body against bacteria, viruses, and free radicals (chemicals that can potentially damage cells).2 2. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

For example, a category of cell that makes blood cells can produce red or white blood cells — but cannot arbitrarily divide into skin cells or neurons. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024

An important part of the immune system, eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that can cause inflammation in the lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

white blood cell

noun

: a colorless blood cell (as a lymphocyte) that lacks hemoglobin and contains a nucleus

called also leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, white cell, white corpuscle

Medical Definition

white blood cell

noun

: any of the blood cells of the immune system that are colorless, lack hemoglobin, contain a nucleus, and include the lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils along with their precursors and derivatives (as macrophages) : leukocyte

—abbreviation WBC

called also white blood corpuscle, white cell, white corpuscle

compare red blood cell