astrocyte

American  

[as-truh-sahyt] / ˈæs trəˌsaɪt /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a star-shaped neuroglial cell of ectodermal origin.

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astrocyte British  

/ ˈæstrəʊˌsaɪt /

noun

1. any of the star-shaped cells in the tissue supporting the brain and spinal cord (neuroglia)

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astrocyte Scientific  

/ ăs′trə-sīt′ /

1. A star-shaped cell, especially one of the glial cells that support the tissue of the central nervous system.

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Other Word Forms

• astrocytic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of astrocyte

First recorded in 1895–1900; astro- + -cyte

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

astrocyte

As Weber explains, "they send the newly formed nuclei of their daughter cells gliding across long distances to repopulate the damaged area of the brain and knit the astrocyte network back together."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 12, 2026

If researchers eventually learn how to selectively activate these repair mechanisms, they may be able to promote more effective restoration of damaged brain tissue, rebuild astrocyte networks, and improve recovery from certain brain disorders.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 12, 2026

His team is also studying how astrocyte CCN1 may influence inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases and aging.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 13, 2026

The findings, reported in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that strengthening astrocyte activity could one day help slow cognitive decline linked to neurodegenerative disorders.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 23, 2025

The protective benefits suggested that strong astrocyte engagement may help slow the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative disease.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 23, 2025

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