Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cellular component of blood: A "blood corpuscle" is a general term for any cell found in the blood. It traditionally refers to red blood cells (erythrocytes) and white blood cells (leukocytes), and may sometimes include platelets (thrombocytes), which are cell fragments.

Usage

• The term "blood corpuscle" is a somewhat dated or technical term. In modern medical and scientific contexts, the specific cell types (red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet) are more commonly used.
• It is used to discuss the cellular makeup of blood in a collective or general sense.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Under the microscope, we observed various blood corpuscles.
  • A complete blood count measures the number and types of blood corpuscles.

Advanced Usage

• "Formed elements of the blood": This is a more modern, precise synonym for "blood corpuscles," encompassing erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.
  • The formed elements of the blood constitute about 45% of its volume.

Variants and Related Words

• Corpuscle (n): A minute body or cell in an organism, especially (in non-technical use) a red or white blood cell.
  • The injury caused a rupture of the corpuscles.
• Erythrocyte (n): A red blood cell, which carries oxygen.
• Leukocyte (n): A white blood cell, which is part of the immune system.
• Thrombocyte (n): A platelet, involved in blood clotting.

Synonyms

• Blood cell: The most common modern equivalent.
• Formed element: The preferred technical term in hematology.
• Hematocyte: A less common scientific term for a blood cell.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "blood corpuscle" can have a slightly variable scope. Its core meaning includes erythrocytes and leukocytes. In some definitions and older texts, platelets are also included, though they are not true cells but cell fragments. The context often clarifies the intended meaning.

Noun

1. either of two types of cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and sometimes including platelets