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

The company has a handful of candidates in development including etavopivat, a treatment for sickle cell disease.

From Barron's • May 6, 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

Alongside actor-comedian Marlon Wayans, Snow wanted to make the film to raise awareness about the realities of sickle cell disease and how it impacts Black communities.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 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