leukoblast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “leukoblast” mean?
An immature white blood cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An immature white blood cell; a cell that develops into a leukocyte.
In haematology and pathology, a precursor cell in the bone marrow that is in an early stage of development into a mature white blood cell (granulocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling follows regional conventions: 'leuco-' prefix is a common variant in British English, while 'leuko-' is standard in American English, but 'leukoblast' with 'k' is universally accepted in scientific literature.
Connotations
None beyond its strict medical definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, confined to specialist texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “leukoblast” in a Sentence
The leukoblast [verb: differentiated, matured, proliferated].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “leukoblast” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The leukoblastic lineage was clearly visible under the microscope.
- A leukoblastic proliferation was noted in the sample.
American English
- The leukoblastic activity indicated a response to infection.
- Further tests confirmed the leukoblastic nature of the cells.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and haematology textbooks and research papers discussing blood cell formation.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in clinical haematology, pathology reports, and bone marrow analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “leukoblast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “leukoblast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “leukoblast”
- Confusing 'leukoblast' with 'lymphoblast' (a specific type of leukoblast).
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
- Misspelling as 'leucoblast' (though acceptable, 'leukoblast' is the more internationally standardised form in science).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A leukoblast is a normal, immature stage of a white blood cell. However, in cancers like leukaemia, these cells can become malignant and proliferate abnormally.
Typically, no. Leukoblasts are usually found in the bone marrow. Their presence in peripheral blood is abnormal and can be a sign of disease, such as leukaemia.
A lymphocyte is a specific type of mature white blood cell. A leukoblast is an immature cell that could develop into a lymphocyte or another type of white cell like a granulocyte.
It is a precise term from a highly specialised scientific field (haematology). In everyday language and even general medicine, broader terms like 'blast cells' or 'immature white cells' are more commonly used.
An immature white blood cell.
Leukoblast is usually technical/scientific in register.
Leukoblast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈljuː.kə(ʊ)ˌblɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈluː.koʊˌblæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LEUKO' (white, as in leukocyte) + 'BLAST' (builder/germ cell). A 'white-builder' cell that builds/develops into a white blood cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'seed' or 'blueprint' for a white blood cell.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'leukoblast'?