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 court heard that the child also had sickle cell disease, which complicated the operation and increased the potential need for a blood transfusion.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

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

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

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

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