giant cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. In medical terminology, a 'giant cell' specifically refers to a large cell formed by the fusion of multiple cells, resulting in multiple nuclei. A simply large (but single-nucleated) cell is not called a giant cell.

Mostly, yes. They are typically associated with chronic inflammation (like tuberculosis), certain infections, or tumors (like giant cell tumor of bone). However, osteoclasts, which are normal bone-resorbing cells, are also a type of giant cell and are part of healthy bone remodeling.

A foreign-body giant cell has nuclei scattered randomly throughout the cytoplasm and forms in response to inert material like a splinter or implant. A Langhans giant cell has its nuclei arranged in a horseshoe or ring shape at the cell's periphery and is classically associated with infections like tuberculosis.

Extremely rarely. It is a highly specialized term. A metaphorical use might occur in very technical fields (e.g., 'giant cell' in materials science for a large crystalline structure), but this is uncommon and context-specific.

A large, multi-nucleated cell formed by the fusion of several normal cells, typically observed in certain disease states or inflammatory processes.

Giant cell is usually technical/medical in register.

Giant cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒaɪənt ˈsɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒaɪənt ˈsɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.