Definition

Noun: * An abnormal red blood cell with spiny projections: An acanthocyte is a type of red blood cell (erythrocyte) that has an abnormal, irregular shape characterized by numerous spiny or thorn-like projections from its surface. This is a pathological finding, not a normal cell shape.

Usage

The term is used exclusively in medical and biological contexts to describe a specific cellular abnormality observed under a microscope. * The blood smear revealed the presence of acanthocytes, indicating a possible lipid metabolism disorder. * Acanthocytes are also sometimes called "spur cells."

Advanced Usage

• Associated Conditions: The presence of acanthocytes (acanthocytosis) is associated with several disorders, including abetalipoproteinemia, neuroacanthocytosis syndromes, and severe liver disease.
  • The diagnosis was supported by the finding of acanthocytosis on the peripheral blood film.

Variants and Related Words

• Acanthocytosis (noun): The condition or state of having acanthocytes in the blood.
• Acanthocytic (adjective): Relating to or resembling acanthocytes.
  • The acanthocytic morphology was clearly visible.

Synonyms

• Spur cell (This is a clinical synonym used particularly when these cells are associated with liver disease).

Different Meanings

This word has a single, specific meaning in hematology and medicine. It does not have general or figurative meanings.

Noun

1. an abnormal red blood cell that has thorny projections of protoplasm