megaloblast

American  

[meg-uh-luh-blast] / ˈmɛg ə ləˌblæst /

noun

Pathology.

1. an abnormally large, immature, and dysfunctional red blood cell found in the blood of persons with pernicious anemia or certain other disorders.

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megaloblast British  

/ ˈmɛɡələʊˌblɑːst, ˌmɛɡələʊˈblæstɪk /

noun

1. an abnormally large red blood cell precursor, present in certain types of anaemia

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Other Word Forms

• megaloblastic adjective

Etymology

Origin of megaloblast

First recorded in 1895–1900; megalo- + -blast

Example Sentences

The polychromatophil degeneration can frequently be observed in nucleated red blood corpuscles, particularly in the megaloblasts.

From Project Gutenberg

Professor Henry made several studies and stained a number of slides, verifying in his report the statements of the presence of megaloblasts and nucleated red cells made above.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same time Ehrlich mentioned that the megaloblasts also play a prominent part in embryonic blood formation.

From Project Gutenberg

Schaumann also holds that the separation of the two kinds rests on doubtful foundation, since occasionally it is questionable whether particular cells are the normoblasts or the megaloblasts.

From Project Gutenberg

It cannot be denied that it is often difficult to decide whether a particular cell is to be regarded as a specially small megaloblast or a large normoblast.

From Project Gutenberg