platelet

[ pleyt-lit ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a small platelike body, especially a blood platelet.

platelet

/ ˈpleɪtlɪt /

noun

1. a minute cell occurring in the blood of vertebrates and involved in clotting of the blood Formerly calledthrombocyte

platelet

/ plāt′lĭt /

1. Any of the numerous small, round cell fragments found in the blood of mammals that function in the clotting of blood. Platelets contain no nuclei and are formed in the bone marrow from precursor cells called megakaryocytes . Platelets contribute to the coagulation process by adhering to damaged blood vessels, fibrinogen, and other platelets. An inadequate number of platelets leads to uncontrolled bleeding.

Word History and Origins

Origin of platelet¹

First recorded in 1890–95; plate ¹ + -let

Word History and Origins

Origin of platelet¹

C19: a small plate

Example Sentences

Antiplatelet drugs are medicines used to prevent strokes and stop platelets from clumping together.

From Science Daily

The side effect is a type of blood clot, often in the brain, combined with low platelet levels, almost always within a few weeks after receiving the first dose.

From BBC

A similar trial for blood platelets is being planned.

From BBC

A similar trial for blood platelets is planned.

From BBC

Blood and platelets must be immediately available, yet they have a short shelf life, according to Daniel Parra, a spokesman for the American Red Cross.

From New York Times