white blood cell


noun

any of various nearly colorless cells of the immune system that circulate mainly in the blood and lymph and participate in reactions to invading microorganisms or foreign particles, comprising the B cells, T cells, macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes.
Also called leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, white corpuscle, white cell.

Origin of white blood cell

First recorded in 1885–90

British Dictionary definitions for white blood cell

white blood cell

noun

a nontechnical name for leucocyte

Medical definitions for white blood cell

white blood cell
[ wīt ]

n.

Any of the colorless or white cells in the blood that have a nucleus and cytoplasm and help protect the body from infection and disease through specialized neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. leukocyte white corpuscle

Scientific definitions for white blood cell

white blood cell
[ wīt ]

Any of various white or colorless cells in the blood of vertebrate animals, many of which participate in the inflammatory and immune responses to protect the body against infection and to repair injuries to tissues. White blood cells are formed mainly in the bone marrow, and unlike red blood cells, have a cell nucleus. The major types of white blood cells are granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes. White blood cells are far less numerous in the blood than red blood cells, but their amount usually increases in response to infection and can be monitored as part of a clinical assessment. Also called leukocyte