platelet

American  

[pleyt-lit] / ˈpleɪt lɪt /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a small platelike body, especially a blood platelet.

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platelet British  

/ ˈpleɪtlɪt /

noun

1. Formerly called: thrombocyte.  a minute cell occurring in the blood of vertebrates and involved in clotting of the blood

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platelet Scientific  

/ plāt′lĭt /

1. Any of the numerous small, round cell fragments found in the blood of mammals that function in the clotting of blood. Platelets contain no nuclei and are formed in the bone marrow from precursor cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets contribute to the coagulation process by adhering to damaged blood vessels, fibrinogen, and other platelets. An inadequate number of platelets leads to uncontrolled bleeding.

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Etymology

Origin of platelet

First recorded in 1890–95; plate ¹ + -let

Example Sentences

Clinical trials showed only modest benefits, and the drugs often caused serious side effects such as widespread inflammation, dangerously low platelet levels, and liver damage.

From Science Daily

Since her diagnosis, Sian has been undergoing treatment to shrink her enlarged spleen and receiving weekly blood and platelet transfusions.

From BBC

Low-dose naltrexone has been shown to reduce fatigue and lower platelet aggregation.

From Science Daily

Writing in the journal Blood, the researchers report that aging is linked to declining levels of a protein called platelet factor 4.

From Science Daily

Ms Claxton regularly needed blood and platelet transfusions and ended up in the intensive care ward four times.

From BBC