Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition characterized by the presence of macrocytes in the blood: "Macrocytosis" is a laboratory finding indicating that a significant number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) are larger than normal. It is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying condition.

Usage

• "Macrocytosis" is a technical term used primarily in medical, clinical, and hematological contexts. It describes an abnormal result in a complete blood count (CBC) test.
• It is typically used as a singular, uncountable noun (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The routine blood test revealed mild macrocytosis.
  • Macrocytosis is often associated with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
  • The doctor investigated the cause of the persistent macrocytosis.

Advanced Usage

• "Macrocytosis without anemia": This phrase describes a situation where the red blood cells are enlarged, but the overall red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels are within the normal range.
  • The patient's lab results showed macrocytosis without anemia, which required further evaluation.

Variants and Related Words

• Macrocyte (n): An abnormally large red blood cell. This is the cell whose presence defines macrocytosis.
  • Under the microscope, the technician observed numerous macrocytes.
• Macrocytic (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by macrocytes.
  • She was diagnosed with a macrocytic anemia.

Synonyms

• Macrocythaemia (n): A less common synonym, primarily used in British English.
• Megalocytosis (n): A near-synonym sometimes used interchangeably, though it can imply more severe enlargement.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of "macrocytosis" is strictly hematological. It does not have figurative, idiomatic, or non-medical meanings.
• The condition can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies (B12, folate), liver disease, hypothyroidism, certain medications, and bone marrow disorders.

Noun

1. the presence of macrocytes in the blood