diapedesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “diapedesis” mean?
The passage of blood cells, especially leukocytes, through the intact walls of capillaries into the surrounding tissue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The passage of blood cells, especially leukocytes, through the intact walls of capillaries into the surrounding tissue.
A specific process in inflammation and immune response where white blood cells exit the bloodstream to reach sites of infection or injury.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling.
Connotations
None beyond its strict medical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “diapedesis” in a Sentence
The diapedesis of [CELL TYPE]Diapedesis occurs through/into/across [LOCATION]Diapedesis is a critical step in [PROCESS]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in medical and life science textbooks and research papers on immunology or inflammation.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in clinical medicine, pathology, and laboratory reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diapedesis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diapedesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diapedesis”
- Misspelling as 'diapadesis' or 'diapidesis'.
- Confusing with 'dialysis' (a different medical process).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a normal and essential part of the body's immune and inflammatory responses.
Leukocytes (white blood cells), such as neutrophils and monocytes, are the primary cells involved.
Diapedesis is a controlled physiological process of immune cells, while metastasis is the pathological spread of cancer cells through blood vessels.
Yes, but it requires a microscope to observe cells moving through the walls of tiny capillaries in living tissue.
The passage of blood cells, especially leukocytes, through the intact walls of capillaries into the surrounding tissue.
Diapedesis is usually technical/medical in register.
Diapedesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəpɪˈdiːsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəpəˈdisɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Dia-pedesis: Think of a DIAmeter (a passage through) and a PEDestrian (a cell) walking through the capillary wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
The white blood cells are like soldiers exiting their transport vehicles (blood vessels) to patrol the tissue neighbourhood.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of diapedesis?