basophil

[ bey-suh-fil ]

noun

1. Biology. a basophilic cell, tissue, organism, or substance.
2. Anatomy. a white blood cell having a two-lobed nucleus and basilophilic granules in its cytoplasm.

adjective

1. Biology. basilophilic.

basophil

/ ˈbeɪsəfɪl /

adjective

1. (of cells or cell contents) easily stained by basic dyes

noun

1. a basophil cell, esp a leucocyte

Word History and Origins

Origin of basophil¹

First recorded in 1885–90; bas(ic dye) + -o- + -phil

Word History and Origins

Origin of basophil¹

C19: from Greek; see base ¹+ -phile

Example Sentences

Schaffer made use of a corresponding basophil stain, hmalum.

From Project Gutenberg

Their intensely basophil granulation, of very irregular size and unequal distribution, must specially be mentioned.

From Project Gutenberg

He distinguishes hyaline, acidophil and basophil cells, and derives all from the lymphocytes.

From Project Gutenberg

In the young granules there is prominent a basophil portion that becomes less and less marked as the cell grows older.

From Project Gutenberg

That a well-marked basophil leucocytosis has not so far been observed may be thus explained.

From Project Gutenberg