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

"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

The study also mentions that cells similar to this new CD4 T lymphocyte population have been observed in mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and in mice carrying the H. polygyrus intestinal worm.

From Science Daily

In other words, at any level of lymphocyte output, gene expression was always associated with lymphocyte production.

From Science Daily

This means that gene activity was associated with lymphocyte production within a specific range of lymphocyte output levels.

From Science Daily

The virus itself enters a key cell that’s important in defending your body from outside pathogens, and that cell is the lymphocyte.

From Scientific American