WHITE BLOOD CELL Definition & Meaning

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white blood cell

noun

any of various nearly colorless cells of the immune system that circulate mainly in the blood and lymph and participate in reactions to invading microorganisms or foreign particles, comprising the B cells, T cells, macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes.

white blood cell

noun

a nontechnical name for leucocyte

white blood cell

/ ��ī�� /

Any of various white or colorless cells in the blood of vertebrate animals, many of which participate in the inflammatory and immune responses to protect the body against infection and to repair injuries to tissues. White blood cells are formed mainly in the bone marrow, and unlike red blood cells, have a cell nucleus. The major types of white blood cells are granulocytes , lymphocytes , and monocytes . White blood cells are far less numerous in the blood than red blood cells, but their amount usually increases in response to infection and can be monitored as part of a clinical assessment.
Also called leukocyte

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of white blood cell¹

First recorded in 1885–90

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Long-term use can also cause a deficiency of vitamin B-12, which leads to reduced white blood cell count and anemia.

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These take instructions from the white blood cells known as dendritic cells, which he refers to as the "generals" of the immune system.

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Part of our immune defences - a white blood cell called a T-cell - can swoop in and destroy the spreading cancer as it tries to take root.

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Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells in your bone marrow – usually white blood cells, Blood Cancer UK said.

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HLH is an immune deficiency disorder which happens when certain types of white blood cells, known as histiocytes and lymphocytes, become overactive and attack the body.

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