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

A model of how one of GluBio’s experimental ‘molecular glue’ drugs causes two proteins in the human body, WIZ and cereblon, to stick to each other in a way designed to relieve sickle cell disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

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

Unexplained vaginal bleeding and blood in urine during last two pregnancies; physician recommended sickle cell test.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot