lymphocyte

[ lim-fuh-sahyt ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a type of white blood cell having a large, spherical nucleus surrounded by a thin layer of nongranular cytoplasm.

lymphocyte

/ ˌlɪmfəʊˈsɪtɪk; ˈlɪmfəʊˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a type of white blood cell formed in lymphoid tissue See also B-lymphocyte T-lymphocyte

lymphocyte

/ lĭm′fə-sīt′ /

1. Any of various white blood cells, including B cells and T cells, that function in the body's immune system by recognizing and deactivating specific foreign substances called antigens. B cells act by stimulating the production of antibodies. T cells contain receptors on their cell surfaces that are capable of recognizing and binding to specific antigens. Lymphocytes are found in the lymph nodes and spleen and circulate continuously in the blood and lymph.

Derived Forms

• lymphocytic, adjective

Other Words From

• lym·pho·cyt·ic [lim-f, uh, -, sit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lymphocyte¹

First recorded in 1885–90; lympho- + -cyte

Example Sentences

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which form part of your immune system.

From BBC

"If we can figure out how to direct this new lymphocyte population to differentiate into a protective effector cell, it could help the host get rid of the Leishmania parasite."

From Science Daily

T cells are one of the two main types of white blood cells, or lymphocytes, that circulate in the blood and patrol for virally infected or cancerous cells.

From Science Daily

In response, the lymphocytes that recognize the invader not only give rise to cells that eliminate the infection but also generate long-lived memory B and T cells that, in some cases, can last a lifetime.

From Science Daily

Approximately 95% of the world's population is infected with EBV, which remains in the body permanently, typically in B lymphocytes, which are antibody-producing immune system cells, and cells lining the throat and pharynx.

From Science Daily