Definition

Noun: 1. An abnormally small red blood cell: A microcyte is a red blood cell that is smaller than normal, typically defined as having a diameter of less than 5 micrometers (microns). The presence of microcytes in the blood is a key diagnostic feature of certain types of anemia.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The blood smear revealed numerous microcytes, indicating a possible iron deficiency.
  • A high count of microcytes is often associated with microcytic anemia.

Advanced Usage and Context

• Clinical Diagnosis: The term is primarily used in medical and hematological contexts. The condition of having microcytes in the blood is called microcytosis.
  • The patient's microcytosis was confirmed by the presence of microcytes on the peripheral blood film.

Variants and Related Words

• Microcytic (adjective): Describing red blood cells that are smaller than normal or a condition characterized by such cells.
  • She was diagnosed with microcytic anemia.
• Microcytosis (noun): The medical condition of having a high proportion of microcytes in the blood.

Synonyms

• Abnormally small erythrocyte: A more technical synonym, as an erythrocyte is the scientific term for a red blood cell.

Antonyms

• Macrocyte (noun): An abnormally large red blood cell.
• Normocyte (noun): A red blood cell of normal size.

Noun

1. an abnormally small red blood cell (less than 5 microns in diameter)