white blood cell

noun

1. any of various nearly colorless cells of the immune system that circulate mainly in the blood and lymph and participate in reactions to invading microorganisms or foreign particles, comprising the B cells, T cells, macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes.

white blood cell

noun

1. a nontechnical name for leucocyte

white blood cell

1. Any of various white or colorless cells in the blood of vertebrate animals, many of which participate in the inflammatory and immune responses to protect the body against infection and to repair injuries to tissues. White blood cells are formed mainly in the bone marrow, and unlike red blood cells, have a cell nucleus. The major types of white blood cells are granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes. White blood cells are far less numerous in the blood than red blood cells, but their amount usually increases in response to infection and can be monitored as part of a clinical assessment.

2. Also called leukocyte

Word History and Origins

Origin of white blood cell¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

After the delivery, her doctor became alarmed by her high white blood cell count.

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"If you take a blood sample before and after a cold swim, white blood cell levels do rise," she explains.

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Fanconi anemia affects the body's ability to repair DNA damage, disrupting the production of vital blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

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The human digestive system relies on two main kinds of macrophages, a type of specialized white blood cell, to maintain intestinal health.

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When her white blood cell count dropped dangerously low she had to spend time in hospital but she says doctors did everything they could to treat her symptoms.

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