macrocyte
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).
Noun
-
abnormally large red blood cell (associated with pernicious anemia)
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