granulocyte

[ gran-yuh-loh-sahyt ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a circulating white blood cell having prominent granules in the cytoplasm and a nucleus of two or more lobes.

granulocyte

/ ˌɡrænjʊləˈsɪtɪk; ˈɡrænjʊləˌsaɪt /

noun

1. any of a group of phagocytic leucocytes having cytoplasmic granules that take up various dyes See also eosinophil neutrophil basophil

granulocyte

/ grăn′yə-lō-sīt′ /

1. Any of various white blood cells that contain granular material in the cytoplasm and are immunologically active, especially in phagocytosis. Granulocytes are the most numerous of the white blood cells in humans.

Derived Forms

• granulocytic, adjective

Other Words From

• gran·u·lo·cyt·ic [gran-y, uh, -loh-, sit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of granulocyte¹

First recorded in 1905–10; granule + -o- + -cyte