leukocyte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-FrequencyScientific / Medical / Technical
Quick answer
What does “leukocyte” mean?
A colourless cell circulating in the blood and bodily fluids, involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless cell circulating in the blood and bodily fluids, involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a white blood cell.
In immunology, any of a variety of cells that form part of the body's immune system, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. They are produced in the bone marrow and are essential for defending the body against infection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling. The British English standard is 'leucocyte,' while the American English standard is 'leukocyte.' The 'k' spelling is also common in international scientific literature.
Connotations
Identical in meaning and technical connotation; the difference is purely orthographic.
Frequency
In both regions, the term has very low frequency in everyday language but is standard in professional medical and scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “leukocyte” in a Sentence
leukocyte count (n.)leukocyte-mediated (adj.)leukocyte-poor (adj.)analysis of leukocytesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “leukocyte” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The leucocyte count was within the normal range.
- A leucocyte adhesion deficiency was diagnosed.
American English
- The leukocyte count was within the normal range.
- A leukocyte adhesion deficiency was diagnosed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Standard term in biomedical sciences, health studies, and related research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A doctor might use 'white blood cell count' instead when speaking to a patient.
Technical
The precise, default term in medical diagnostics, immunology, haematology, and pathology reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “leukocyte”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “leukocyte”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “leukocyte”
- Misspelling as 'leucosite' or 'leukocite'.
- Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'The body leukocyted the infection.').
- Confusing a high leukocyte count (leukocytosis) with a low one (leukopenia).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A lymphocyte is a specific subtype of leukocyte. Leukocyte is the broad category for all white blood cells, which includes lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, etc.
No, it is a technical medical term. In everyday contexts, people and doctors typically say 'white blood cell' or 'WBC.'
It stems from the transliteration of the Greek root 'leukos' (white). American English tends to use the 'k' ('leukocyte') while British English traditionally uses the 'c' ('leucocyte'), though the 'k' spelling is increasingly common globally in science.
Yes, a condition called leukopenia. It can make a person more susceptible to infections.
A colourless cell circulating in the blood and bodily fluids, involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease.
Leukocyte is usually scientific / medical / technical in register.
Leukocyte: in British English it is pronounced /ˈluːkə(ʊ)sʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈluːkəˌsaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LEUKO' (from Greek 'leukos' for white) + 'CYTE' (cell). A 'white cell' in the blood.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLDIER / DEFENDER: Leukocytes are conceptualised as the body's defence force patrolling the bloodstream and tissues to fight invaders (pathogens).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary functional role of a leukocyte?