sickle cell

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. an abnormal red blood cell having an elongated, crescentlike shape due to the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin.

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Etymology

Origin of sickle cell

First recorded in 1925–30; so called from the fact that the cells are often sickle-shaped

Example Sentences

Beyond entertainment, Shepard devoted herself to raising awareness for sickle cell anemia after a friend died of the affliction.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

While making the project, his mother suffered two strokes, his brother was treated for psychosis, and his younger sister died of sickle cell anaemia.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

"The first gene editing drug approved for a blood disease -- sickle cell anemia -- targets a cell-type specific enhancer."

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2025

The biotech said a Phase 3 trial for mitapivat, a drug to treat sickle cell disease, had failed to meet several endpoints.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

Dae took a month off from school to care for his mother, who was sick with sickle cell.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore