eosinophil

[ ee-uh-sin-uh-fil ]

noun

1. Histology. any cell, tissue, organism, or substance that has an affinity for eosin and other acid stains.
2. Cell Biology. a leukocyte having eosinophilic granules in the cytoplasm and usually a bilobate nucleus.

adjective

1. eosinophilic.

eosinophil

/ ˌiːəʊˈsɪnəˌfaɪl; ˌiːəʊˈsɪnəˌfɪl; ˌiːəʊsɪˈnɒfɪləs /

noun

1. a leucocyte with a multilobed nucleus and coarse granular cytoplasm that stains readily with acidic dyes such as eosin

Derived Forms

• ˌeoˌsinoˈphilic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eosinophil¹

First recorded in 1885–90; eosin + -o- + -phil(e)

Example Sentences

Their biological roles are poorly understood, but recent studies suggest that eosinophils are involved in regulating our fat metabolism, repairing certain tissues, and helping us fight different infections and cancers.

From Science Daily

Benralizumab is a biologic therapy that reduces the number of inflammatory cells called eosinophil.

From Science Daily

The disease is linked to an elevated level of white blood cells called eosinophils — the cells that respond in allergic reactions.

From New York Times

But in EGPA, patients have high levels of eosinophils, the white cells that drive the disease.

From New York Times

As Dr. Cloutier explained, in allergic asthma, inflammatory cells called eosinophils collect in the airways, but when a viral infection triggers the inflammation, cells called neutrophils are released, warranting a different treatment.

From New York Times