noun
lymphocyte
LIM-fuh-syte
Lymphocyte (noun) means a lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell with a round nucleus that forms part of the lymphatic system. Example: “The blood test showed a raised lymphocyte count.”
noun
1
technical A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell with a round nucleus that forms part of the lymphatic system.
"The blood test showed a raised lymphocyte count."
"B cells and T cells are both kinds of lymphocyte."
"Lymphocytes travel through the blood and lymph to help fight infection."
How to use lymphocyte
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.
When to use it
A technical term used mainly in medicine, cytology and immunology.
Memory tip
Breaking the word into lympho- (lymph) and -cyte (cell) makes the meaning easy to remember.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
lymphocyte count
T lymphocytes
B lymphocytes
raised lymphocytes
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The blood test showed a raised _____ count.
Etymology
Lymphocyte is built from the combining form lympho-, referring to lymph, joined to the suffix -cyte, meaning cell.
Rhymes for lymphocyte
See all rhymes for lymphocyte →Frequently asked questions
What is a lymphocyte?
It is a type of white blood cell with a round nucleus, found in the lymphatic system and blood.
What are the main types of lymphocyte?
The main types include B cells, T cells and natural killer cells.
What is the difference between a lymphocyte and a leukocyte?
A leukocyte is the general term for any white blood cell, and a lymphocyte is one specific type of leukocyte.
What is the meaning of lymphocyte?
"lymphocyte" (noun) means a lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell with a round nucleus that forms part of the lymphatic system.
