sickle cell

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormal red blood cell having an elongated, crescentlike shape due to the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sickle cell¹

First recorded in 1925–30; so called from the fact that the cells are often sickle-shaped

Example Sentences

In the 1960s in North Carolina, Adams and her family would take her sister Linda, who had sickle cell anemia, to the emergency room because they had no doctor and could not afford health insurance.

From Salon

Young donors are urged to come forward, especially those with O negative blood type, and more donors of black heritage are also being sought to help treat patients with sickle cell disease.

From BBC

Take, for example, new gene-editing treatments for children with sickle cell disease.

From Salon

Negotiations are still under way to see if the same therapy can be used on the NHS for another genetic disease affecting haemoglobin - sickle cell anaemia.

From BBC

The scene underscores the lifelong challenges for some people with sickle cell disease in rural Uganda, where it remains poorly understood.

From Seattle Times