spherocyte
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A spherocyte is an abnormal red blood cell that has a spherical shape, rather than the normal biconcave disc shape. This morphological abnormality makes the cell less deformable and more prone to premature destruction (hemolysis).
Usage
The term is used specifically in medical and hematological contexts to describe a type of red blood cell seen in certain blood disorders. * The blood smear revealed numerous spherocytes, indicating a possible hemolytic anemia. * Hereditary spherocytosis is a condition characterized by the presence of spherocytes.
Advanced Usage
- Spherocytic (adjective): Describing something related to or characterized by spherocytes.
- The patient exhibited a spherocytic anemia.
- The presence of spherocytes is a key diagnostic feature for hereditary spherocytosis and can also be seen in autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Variants and Related Words
- Spherocytosis (noun): The condition or state of having spherocytes in the blood.
- Microspherocyte (noun): A particularly small spherocyte.
Synonyms
- Spherical erythrocyte
- (In context) Abnormal red (blood) cell
Different Meanings
The word "spherocyte" has a single, specific meaning in hematology and medicine. It does not have general or figurative meanings.
Noun
- an abnormal spherical red blood cell