polymorphonuclear

[ pol-ee-mawr-fuh-noo-klee-er, -nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-ler ]

adjective

, Cell Biology.

1. (of a leukocyte) having a lobulate nucleus.

polymorphonuclear

/ ˌpɒlɪˌmɔːfəʊˈnjuːklɪə /

adjective

1. (of a leucocyte) having a lobed or segmented nucleus See also polymorph

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymorphonuclear¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; poly- + morpho- + nuclear

Example Sentences

The polymorphonuclear leukocytes are taken as the type of the group, because they are by far the most numerous.

From Project Gutenberg

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are formed in the bone-marrow from neutrophilic myelocytes.

From Project Gutenberg

The decrease affects chiefly the polymorphonuclear cells, so that the lymphocytes are relatively increased.

From Project Gutenberg

Predominance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (pus-corpuscles) points to an acute infectious process (Fig. 117).

From Project Gutenberg

The polymorphonuclear leucocytes are large cells, about 20µ; no definite granules can be observed.

From Project Gutenberg