white blood cell — A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a leukocyte
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a leukocyte
Pronunciation (IPA): /waɪt blʌd sel/
Example Sentences
- My white blood cells are like tiny bodyguards patrolling my bloodstream 24/7.
- The lab technician counted the white blood cells under the microscope.
- When I'm sick, my white blood cells throw a party and multiply like crazy.
white blood cell
NOUN[/waɪt blʌd sel/]
A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a leukocyte
A white blood cell charges in to destroy invading bacteria inside the bloodstream.
White blood cells shine bright to fight!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term 'white blood cell' originated from the visual appearance of these immune cells under microscopy. Unlike red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin and appear red, white blood cells lack hemoglobin and appear colourless or whitish, leading to their descriptive nomenclature combining colour observation with their biological function in blood circulation.
Breakdown
white (adjective, from Old English hwit, meaning pale or lacking colour) + blood (noun, from Old English blod, referring to the fluid circulating in veins and arteries) + cell (noun, from Latin cella, meaning small chamber or compartment).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My white blood cells are like tiny bodyguards patrolling my bloodstream 24/7.”
“The lab technician counted the white blood cells under the microscope.”
“When I'm sick, my white blood cells throw a party and multiply like crazy.”
“Chemotherapy can significantly reduce white blood cell production.”
📚Related Words
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