Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

sickle cell

American  

noun

Pathology.
  • sickle cells
    plural
  1. an abnormal red blood cell having an elongated, crescentlike shape due to the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of sickle cell

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The Cambridge, Mass.-based biopharmaceutical company said it has discontinued its pociredir program for the treatment of sickle cell disease and launched “a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value.”

From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026

Donors are vital for securing a steady supply of blood for cancer patients, new mothers, those living with long-term conditions such as sickle cell disease, as well as during emergencies.

From BBC ● May 26, 2026

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

Units from people with rare blood like Stoddart-Stones are used for patients with the same rare blood who are having an operation or need regular transfusions because of disorders such as sickle cell disease.

From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2026

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

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com