lymphocyte

[lim-fuh-sahyt]

noun

Anatomy.

1. a type of white blood cell having a large, spherical nucleus surrounded by a thin layer of nongranular cytoplasm.

lymphocyte

/ ˌlɪmfəʊˈsɪtɪk, ˈlɪmfəʊˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a type of white blood cell formed in lymphoid tissue See also B-lymphocyte T-lymphocyte

lymphocyte

1. Any of various white blood cells, including B cells and T cells, that function in the body's immune system by recognizing and deactivating specific foreign substances called antigens. B cells act by stimulating the production of antibodies. T cells contain receptors on their cell surfaces that are capable of recognizing and binding to specific antigens. Lymphocytes are found in the lymph nodes and spleen and circulate continuously in the blood and lymph.

Other Word Forms

• lymphocytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lymphocyte¹

First recorded in 1885–90; lympho- + -cyte

Example Sentences

Alexander Tarakhovsky added that it was striking to see immune-related molecules, long recognized for their roles in B and T lymphocytes, also influencing microglia.

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When the nanotherapy was paired with medicines that help activate T lymphocytes, another key type of immune cell, the two-dose treatment eliminated tumors in mice and produced long-lasting immunity that prevented the cancer from returning.

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Prof. Alon Monsonego of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that T helper lymphocytes, which are immune cells involved in regulating the body's defenses, shift in function as people grow older.

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Measles destroys lymphocytes that defend against other bugs to make way for ones that defend against measles, an immunity won at the cost of other protections.

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HLH is an immune deficiency disorder which happens when certain types of white blood cells, known as histiocytes and lymphocytes, become overactive and attack the body.

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