erythrocyte

[ ih-rith-ruh-sahyt ]

noun

, Physiology.

1. red blood cell.

erythrocyte

/ ɪˌrɪθrəʊˈsɪtɪk; ɪˈrɪθrəʊˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a blood cell of vertebrates that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, combined with the red pigment haemoglobin, to and from the tissues Also calledred blood cell

erythrocyte

/ ĭ-rĭth′rə-sīt′ /

1. See red blood cell

Derived Forms

• erythrocytic, adjective

Other Words From

• e·ryth·ro·cyt·ic [ih-rith-r, uh, -, sit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of erythrocyte¹

First recorded in 1890–95; erythro- + -cyte

Example Sentences

"Circulating erythrocytes outnumber circulating leukocytes by approximately a thousand to one and comprise 84% of all somatic cells in the body," Tishkoff explains.

From Science Daily

P. falciparum causes malaria while replicating in host erythrocytes, or red blood cells, and relies on scavenging rather than synthesis, or the creation of compounds, to satisfy its need for fatty acids.

From Science Daily

Although tests for RA were negative, her erythrocyte sedimentation rate and other inflammatory markers were elevated.

From Washington Post

The test measures the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or how fast red blood cells fall in a test tube.

From New York Times

Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 domain cassettes 8 and 13 are associated with severe malaria in children.

From Nature

Related Words

• red blood cell
• white blood cell