neutrophil

American  

[noo-truh-fil, nyoo-] / ˈnu trə fɪl, ˈnju- /

Also neutrophile

adjective

1. (of a cell or cell part) having an affinity for neutral dyes.

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noun

1. a phagocytic white blood cell having a lobulate nucleus and neutrophil granules in the cytoplasm.

neutrophil British  

/ ˈnjuːtrəˌfaɪl, ˈnjuːtrəˌfɪl /

noun

1. a leucocyte having a lobed nucleus and a fine granular cytoplasm, which stains with neutral dyes

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adjective

1. (of cells and tissues) readily stainable by neutral dyes

Etymology

Origin of neutrophil

First recorded in 1885–90; neutro- + -phil

Example Sentences

Neutrophils are essential for fighting infections and aiding tissue repair, but they can also contribute to damage under certain conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Neutrophils are among the most abundant immune cells in the body and usually serve as an early line of defense against infection and injury.

From Science Daily • Feb. 10, 2026

Neutrophils are short-lived immune cells that respond aggressively to threats and are a major component of pus.

From Science Daily • Dec. 27, 2025

Neutrophils, shown in Figure 33.3, are the most abundant leukocytes of the immune system.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils are all about three times the diameter of a red blood cell and round.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015