leucocyte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “leucocyte” mean?
A type of colourless cell in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue, forming part of the immune system and involved in defending the body against infection and foreign substances.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of colourless cell in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue, forming part of the immune system and involved in defending the body against infection and foreign substances.
In technical contexts, it can refer broadly to any white blood cell or be used to describe a feature or component within such cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling "leucocyte" is standard in British English. The American English spelling is "leukocyte."
Connotations
No difference in connotation; purely orthographic.
Frequency
The term is equally common in both dialects within medical/scientific contexts. The British spelling is slightly more common in the UK and Commonwealth nations, while the American spelling dominates in US publications.
Grammar
How to Use “leucocyte” in a Sentence
The leucocyte [verb: infiltrated/attacked/migrated] the tissue.A [adjective: high/low] leucocyte count indicates...[Subject: Infection] causes an increase in leucocytes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “leucocyte” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The leucocyte count was abnormal.
- Leucocyte function tests were conducted.
American English
- The leukocyte count was elevated.
- Leukocyte adhesion deficiency is a disorder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and health science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare; "white blood cell" is used instead.
Technical
Standard, precise term in hematology, immunology, and clinical medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “leucocyte”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “leucocyte”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “leucocyte”
- Mispronouncing as /luːˈkɒ.saɪt/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using "leucocyte" in casual conversation instead of "white blood cell."
- Confusing spelling: writing "leukocyte" in a British English text.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference in meaning. 'Leucocyte' is the standard British English spelling, while 'leukocyte' is the standard American English spelling.
No. In everyday conversation, people say 'white blood cell'. 'Leucocyte' is a technical term used primarily in medical and scientific contexts.
The main types are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each plays a different role in the immune response.
Yes. A high count (leukocytosis) often signals infection or inflammation, while a low count (leukopenia) can indicate bone marrow problems, certain diseases, or be a side effect of medication, increasing infection risk.
A type of colourless cell in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue, forming part of the immune system and involved in defending the body against infection and foreign substances.
Leucocyte is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Leucocyte: in British English it is pronounced /ˈluː.kə.saɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈluː.kə.saɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LEUCOcyte = LEUkocyte (US) = a LUmp of COlorless cells fighting infection.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A FORTRESS; leucocytes are the defending soldiers or security personnel.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a leucocyte?