killer cell

American  

noun

Immunology.

1. any of several types of lymphocyte or leukocyte capable of destroying cells that have acquired foreign characteristics, as a tumor cell or virus-infected cell.

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killer cell British  

noun

1. a type of white blood cell that is able to kill cells, such as cancer cells and cells infected with viruses

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

killer cell

"These two tissue-resident natural killer cell populations look very similar, and they have some of the same requirements, but their function seems to be on opposite ends of the spectrum," Sunwoo said.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026

Partners who showed no sign of infection were more likely to have a robust natural killer cell response, which could result in a stronger defense against infection.

From New York Times ● Mar. 8, 2022