Cell
granulocyte
gran·u·lo·cyte [ gran-yuh-loh-sahyt ]
Subclass of:
Bone Marrow Cells;
Myeloid Cells;
Leukocytes
Etymology:
Latin granulum, diminutive of granum = a grain + Greek kytos = vessel or cell
Definitions related to granulocyte:
-
A type of immune cell that has granules (small particles) with enzymes that are released during infections, allergic reactions, and asthma. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes. A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
A type of leukocyte with a multilobed nucleus and cytoplasmic granules. The unique morphology of the nucleus has led to their also being known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMLs or PMNs). Granulocytes are subdivided according to the staining properties of their granules into eosinophils (red with acidic dye), basophils (blue with basic dye), and neutrophils (not amenable to staining with either acidic or basic dyes).NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Leukocytes with abundant neutrophilic, eosinophilic or basophilic granules in the cytoplasm; mature granulocytes are the neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
-
Leukocytes with abundant granules in the cytoplasm. They are divided into three groups according to the staining properties of the granules: neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and basophilic. Mature granulocytes are the NEUTROPHILS; EOSINOPHILS; and BASOPHILS.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
Granulocyte, any of a group of white blood cells (leukocytes) that are characterized by the large number and chemical makeup of the granules occurring within the cytoplasm. Granulocytes are the most numerous of the white cells and are approximately 12-15 micrometres in diameter, making them larger...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> G
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.