mast cell

American  

noun

Biology.

1. a large granular cell, common in connective tissue, that produces heparin, histamine, and serotonin.

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mast cell British  

noun

1. a type of granular basophil cell in connective tissue that releases heparin, histamine, and serotonin during inflammation and allergic reactions

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mast cell Scientific  

/ măst /

1. A granular cell found in body tissue, especially connective tissue, that activates inflammation by releasing a variety of chemical substances including histamine, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins. Mast cells have membrane receptors that bind to bacteria, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators from the mast cell's cytoplasmic granules. Mast cells also play an important role in allergic reactions. Other receptors on their membranes bind to specific antibodies that, combined with certain antigens, initiate granular release of chemical mediators that cause allergic signs and symptoms.

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Etymology

Origin of mast cell

1885–90; partial translation of German Mastzelle, equivalent to Mast fattening of animals for slaughter, mast ² + Zelle cell

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mast cell

Sydney-based AI consultant Conyngham told AFP that eight-year-old Rosie's mast cell cancer is now in partial remission and her biggest tumour has shrunk dramatically.

From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026

Among the most common co-occurring illnesses were chronic fatigue syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome, or MCAS, a condition where patients experience intense episodes of diarrhea, hives, vomiting, and, in many cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis attacks.

From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2025

The cost was due to the “unfortunate confluence,” she said, of the dog needing ACL surgery and then developing mast cell cancer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2024

She's said she's been treated for conditions including endometriosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Sjogren's syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome.

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2024

In morbid conditions, where substances attracting the mast cells were present, it might be possible to find a suppuration of mast cells, or a mast cell leucocytosis as well.

From Histology of the Blood Normal and Pathological by Myers, W.