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noun

platelet

PLAYT-lut
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Platelet (noun) means a small, colourless, disc-shaped particle in mammalian blood that helps blood to clot. Example: “A low platelet count can make a person bruise easily.”

noun
1
medical A small, colourless, disc-shaped particle in mammalian blood that helps blood to clot.
"A low platelet count can make a person bruise easily."
"Platelets help to stop bleeding after a cut."
"The nurse took a blood sample to check his platelets."

How to use platelet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tiny blood particle that helps blood clot.

When to use it

It is a medical term that is also used in everyday health talk.

Memory tip

It is most often used in the plural, as in a low platelet count.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
platelet count blood platelets platelet transfusion
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A low _____ count can make a person bruise easily.

Etymology

The word was formed in English from plate and the ending -let.

Origin: English

thrombocyte blood platelet

Rhymes for platelet

See all rhymes for platelet →

Frequently asked questions

What is a platelet?
A platelet is a small, colourless, disc-shaped particle found in the blood of mammals. It plays an important part in forming blood clots.
What is another word for platelet?
Thrombocyte is a synonym, and blood platelet is another name.
How do you pronounce platelet?
It is said PLAYT-lut, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the meaning of platelet?
"platelet" (noun) means a small, colourless, disc-shaped particle in mammalian blood that helps blood to clot.