Leukocyte: meaning, definitions and examples
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leukocyte
[ ˈluːkəsaɪt ]
medical term
Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are an essential component of the immune system. They help the body fight infections and other diseases by identifying and eliminating pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. There are several types of leukocytes, each with distinct functions, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. The normal range of leukocytes in the blood is crucial for maintaining health, and abnormal levels may indicate various medical conditions.
Synonyms
immune cell, white blood cell.
Examples of usage
- Leukocytes are crucial in the body's defense mechanisms.
- Doctors often check leukocyte levels during blood tests.
- A high leukocyte count may indicate infection.
- Certain cancers can affect leukocyte production.
- Leukocytes play a significant role in inflammation.
Translations
Translations of the word "leukocyte" in other languages:
🇵🇹 leucócito
🇮🇳 श्वेत रक्त कोशिका
🇩🇪 Leukozyt
🇮🇩 leukosit
🇺🇦 лейкоцит
🇵🇱 leukocyt
🇯🇵 白血球
🇫🇷 leucocyte
🇪🇸 leucocito
🇹🇷 lökozit
🇰🇷 백혈구
🇸🇦 كريات الدم البيضاء
🇨🇿 leukocyt
🇸🇰 leukocyt
🇨🇳 白细胞
🇸🇮 levkocit
🇮🇸 hvítblóðkorn
🇰🇿 лейкоцит
🇬🇪 ლეიკოციტი
🇦🇿 leykosit
🇲🇽 leucocito
Etymology
The term 'leukocyte' comes from the Greek words 'leukos', meaning 'white', and 'kytos', meaning 'cell'. It was first used in the late 19th century as advancements in microscopy allowed scientists to observe and classify different types of cells in blood. The discovery of leukocytes was instrumental in understanding the immune response and the role of blood cells in health and disease. Over time, various subtypes of leukocytes were identified, leading to a more profound understanding of human biology and the mechanisms of disease.