hematocrit

[ hi-mat-uh-krit ]

noun

1. a centrifuge for separating the cells of the blood from the plasma.
2. Also called hematocrit value. the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to a given volume of blood so centrifuged, expressed as a percentage.

hematocrit

/ hĭ-măt′ə-krĭt′ /

1. The percentage by volume of red blood cells in a given sample of blood after it has been spun in a centrifuge.
2. A centrifuge used to determine the relative volumes of blood cells and plasma in a given sample of blood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hematocrit¹

First recorded in 1890–95; hemato- + -crit, from Greek kritḗs “judge”; critic

Example Sentences

He got to the point where he could estimate his hematocrit level by the color of his blood.

From The Daily Beast