megaloblast

[ meg-uh-luh-blast ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormally large, immature, and dysfunctional red blood cell found in the blood of persons with pernicious anemia or certain other disorders.

megaloblast

/ ˈmɛɡələʊˌblɑːst; ˌmɛɡələʊˈblæstɪk /

noun

1. an abnormally large red blood cell precursor, present in certain types of anaemia

Derived Forms

• megaloblastic, adjective

Other Words From

• mega·lo·blastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of megaloblast¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; megalo- + -blast

Example Sentences

The normoblastic type is found most frequently, but side by side with it, megaloblasts and forms transitional between the two are occasionally found.

From Project Gutenberg

Professor Henry made several studies and stained a number of slides, verifying in his report the statements of the presence of megaloblasts and nucleated red cells made above.

From Project Gutenberg

In the conditions, which Biermer, on the grounds of their clinical peculiarities, has distinguished as "essential, pernicious anæmia" megaloblasts on the contrary occur, and represent an embryonic type of development.

From Project Gutenberg

All researches, which try to obscure or totally deny the distinction between megaloblasts and normoblasts are wrecked by the simple clinical fact that in pernicious anæmia the blood is megaloblastic.

From Project Gutenberg

The appearance of megaloblasts and megalocytes is therefore evidence that the regeneration of the blood in the bone-marrow is not proceeding in the normal manner, but in a way which approximates to the embryonic type.

From Project Gutenberg