erythrocyte
2 synonyms for erythrocyte, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A red blood cell that carries oxygen around the body using the protein haemoglobin.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
red blood cell
RBC
How to use erythrocyte
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
erythrocyte count
red blood cell count
erythrocyte production
low erythrocyte levels
Erythrocyte is the clinical term; red blood cell is what most people say.
Etymology
Built from erythro-, meaning red, and -cyte, meaning cell, referring to the red colour haemoglobin takes on when it is carrying oxygen.
Full origin of erythrocyte →Frequently asked questions
What is an erythrocyte?
An erythrocyte is the scientific name for a red blood cell, the cell responsible for carrying oxygen through the bloodstream.
Why are erythrocytes red?
They contain haemoglobin, a protein that turns red when it binds to oxygen, which gives the cells and blood their colour.
Do erythrocytes have a nucleus?
In humans and many other animals, mature erythrocytes lose their nucleus, unlike most other cells in the body.
