noun

leukocyte

LOO-kuh-syt

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Leukocyte (noun) means a white blood cell, one of a group of blood cells that take part in the body's immune defences. Example: “The lab report listed the patient's leukocyte count alongside the other blood results.”

noun

technical A white blood cell, one of a group of blood cells that take part in the body's immune defences.

"The lab report listed the patient's leukocyte count alongside the other blood results."

"Lymphocytes and granulocytes are both types of leukocyte."

"Under the microscope, the leukocyte looked quite different from the surrounding red cells."

How to use leukocyte

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA leukocyte is simply a white blood cell.

When to use it

Leukocyte is a technical term, used mostly in medicine and biology, while white blood cell is the everyday equivalent.

Memory tip

Leukocytes are white blood cells, whereas erythrocytes are red blood cells, so do not swap the two.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

erythrocyte → thrombocyte

Common pairings

leukocyte count elevated leukocyte count leukocyte levels leukocyte activity

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The lab report listed the patient's _____ count alongside the other blood results.

Etymology

The word was built in English from the combining forms leuko- and -cyte. The British spelling leucocyte is a variant of the same word.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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white blood cell leucocyte WBC

Rhymes for leukocyte

byte Whyte Forsyte erythrocyte

See all rhymes for leukocyte →

Frequently asked questions

What is a leukocyte?

A leukocyte is another name for a white blood cell. It is one of a group of blood cells involved in the body's immune responses.

Is leukocyte the same as leucocyte?

Yes, they are the same word. Leucocyte is the spelling used in British English, while leukocyte is the other common form.

How do you pronounce leukocyte?

It is said LOO-kuh-syt, with the stress on the first syllable.

What is the meaning of leukocyte?

"leukocyte" (noun) means a white blood cell, one of a group of blood cells that take part in the body's immune defences.