white blood cell

American  

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.

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white blood cell British  

noun

1. a nontechnical name for leucocyte

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white blood cell Scientific  

/ wīt /

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

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Etymology

Origin of white blood cell

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

It is given as a nasal spray and leaves white blood cells in our lungs – called macrophages – on "amber alert" and ready to jump into action no matter what infection tries to get in.

From BBC

CAR T is a complex treatment that works by manipulating a patient’s own disease-fighting white blood cells—known as T cells—and then infusing them back into the body to fight cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal

These chemicals are released by white blood cells when the airways are irritated or exposed to allergens.

From Science Daily

The preclinical findings show how signals in the gut can trigger a surge of white blood cells from the bone marrow, creating conditions that encourage tumor growth.

From Science Daily

After the birth of her second child, her doctor noticed her white blood cell count was high.

From Los Angeles Times