white blood cell

noun

1. any of various nearly colorless cells of the immune system that circulate mainly in the blood and lymph and participate in reactions to invading microorganisms or foreign particles, comprising the B cells, T cells, macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes.

white blood cell

noun

1. a nontechnical name for leucocyte

white blood cell

/ wīt /

1. Any of various white or colorless cells in the blood of vertebrate animals, many of which participate in the inflammatory and immune responses to protect the body against infection and to repair injuries to tissues. White blood cells are formed mainly in the bone marrow, and unlike red blood cells, have a cell nucleus. The major types of white blood cells are granulocytes , lymphocytes , and monocytes . White blood cells are far less numerous in the blood than red blood cells, but their amount usually increases in response to infection and can be monitored as part of a clinical assessment.
2. Also called leukocyte

Word History and Origins

Origin of white blood cell¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The pertussis toxin can trigger a reaction that produces a high white blood cell count, Yeganeh said — potentially causing sludging in the blood vessels leading to the lungs.

From Los Angeles Times

Angela's daughter Johanna had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of cancer which affects the white blood cells and bone marrow, at just 16 years old.

From BBC

The light-sensing abilities of cells in the retina are different in skillset to white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infection.

From BBC

Her white blood cell count was critically high and her blood pressure perilously low — at one point, as Thurman got up to go to the bathroom, she fainted again and hit her head.

From Salon

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which form part of your immune system.

From BBC