macrocyte

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a macrocyte under a microscope.

Definition

Noun: 1. An abnormally large red blood cell: A type of erythrocyte (red blood cell) that is larger than normal, often associated with certain types of anemia, particularly those caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The blood smear revealed numerous macrocytes, indicating a possible vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • A key laboratory finding in megaloblastic anemia is the presence of macrocytes.
  • The size of the macrocyte is typically measured against a standard red blood cell.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is primarily used in medical and hematological contexts to describe a morphological finding in a complete blood count (CBC) or peripheral blood smear examination. It is a diagnostic clue rather than a disease itself.
• "Macrocytic": The related adjective form, used to describe conditions or blood characterized by the presence of macrocytes (e.g., anemia).

Variants and Related Words

• Macrocytic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by macrocytes.
  • Macrocytic anemia is a common diagnosis.
• Macrocytosis (noun): The medical condition of having macrocytes in the blood.
  • The patient's macrocytosis was investigated further.

Synonyms

• Megalocyte (Note: While often used interchangeably in a broad sense, "megalocyte" can sometimes refer to an even larger or more immature form.)

Word Forms and Etymology

• Etymology: From the Greek (large, long) + (cell, container).

Học thuật

Noun

1. abnormally large red blood cell (associated with pernicious anemia)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• megalocyte