noun
erythrocyte
ih-RITH-ruh-syte
Erythrocyte (noun) means a red blood cell that carries oxygen around the body using the protein haemoglobin. Example: “A drop of blood contains millions of erythrocytes.”
noun
1
technical A red blood cell that carries oxygen around the body using the protein haemoglobin.
"A drop of blood contains millions of erythrocytes."
"Erythrocytes lose their nucleus as they mature in humans."
"Low erythrocyte counts can be a sign of anaemia."
How to use erythrocyte
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishErythrocyte is just the medical term for a red blood cell.
When to use it
Erythrocyte is the clinical term; red blood cell is what most people say.
Memory tip
You will meet this word mostly in medical or biology contexts, rarely in everyday conversation.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
erythrocyte count
red blood cell count
erythrocyte production
low erythrocyte levels
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A drop of blood contains millions of _____.
Etymology
Built from erythro-, meaning red, and -cyte, meaning cell, referring to the red colour haemoglobin takes on when it is carrying oxygen.
Synonyms
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red blood cell
RBC
Rhymes for erythrocyte
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of erythrocyte?
"erythrocyte" (noun) means a red blood cell that carries oxygen around the body using the protein haemoglobin.
