granulocyte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “granulocyte” mean?
A type of white blood cell with granules in its cytoplasm, playing a key role in the immune response against infections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of white blood cell with granules in its cytoplasm, playing a key role in the immune response against infections.
In medicine and biology, granulocytes are part of the innate immune system and include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. The term can also be used metaphorically in discussions of biological systems or immune responses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, confined to medical/biological fields.
Grammar
How to Use “granulocyte” in a Sentence
The [adjective] granulocyte [verb]...A decrease/increase in granulocytesGranulocytes are [past participle]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “granulocyte” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The granulocyte population was analysed.
- Granulocyte antibodies can cause neutropenia.
American English
- The patient had a granulocyte deficiency.
- Granulocyte transfusions are sometimes used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and immunology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in hematology reports, clinical diagnostics, and immunology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “granulocyte”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “granulocyte”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “granulocyte”
- Misspelling as 'granulocite'.
- Confusing with 'agranulocyte'.
- Using it as a general term for any white blood cell.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Granulocytes are key components of the innate immune system, primarily responsible for phagocytosing (engulfing) and destroying bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in medical, biological, and clinical contexts.
In British English, it is pronounced /ˈɡrænjʊləʊˌsaɪt/, with stress on the first syllable and a clear 'yoo' sound in the second syllable.
No, 'granulocyte' is strictly a noun. Related verbs would be 'granulate' (form into grains) or more specific terms like 'phagocytose' for its function.
A type of white blood cell with granules in its cytoplasm, playing a key role in the immune response against infections.
Granulocyte is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRANULE (little grain) + CYTE (cell). A white blood cell that looks like it contains tiny grains.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a 'soldier' or 'first responder' in the body's defense system due to its rapid response to infection.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a type of granulocyte?