mast cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mast cell” mean?
A type of white blood cell found in connective tissue that plays a key role in allergic reactions and inflammation by releasing histamine and other chemicals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of white blood cell found in connective tissue that plays a key role in allergic reactions and inflammation by releasing histamine and other chemicals.
In immunology and pathology, mast cells are tissue-resident cells derived from myeloid progenitors that are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, wound healing, angiogenesis, and defense against pathogens, but are also central to allergic diseases like asthma, anaphylaxis, and atopic dermatitis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains the same. Pronunciation may show slight variation in vowel quality and stress.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse but standard in medical/biological fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mast cell” in a Sentence
The [adj] mast cell [verb] ...Mast cells in the [body part] ...[Pathogen/Allergen] triggers mast cell [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mast cell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The allergen caused the mast cells to degranulate rapidly.
- Researchers are trying to understand what signals mast cells to activate.
American English
- The toxin directly mast cells, triggering a severe response.
- The new drug inhibits the pathway that masts the cells.
adverb
British English
- The cells reacted mast-cell-like, releasing their granules.
- Not applicable in standard usage.
American English
- The response proceeded mast-cell-quickly.
- Not applicable in standard usage.
adjective
British English
- The mast-cell activation syndrome was difficult to diagnose.
- They observed a mast-cell-rich infiltrate in the biopsy.
American English
- The patient has a mast cell disorder.
- Mast-cell-derived histamine causes the symptoms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in medical, biological, immunological, and pharmacological research papers, textbooks, and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in patient information leaflets about allergies or in news articles about medical research.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Standard term in clinical medicine, pathology, immunology, and drug development (e.g., mast cell stabilisers like sodium cromoglicate).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mast cell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mast cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mast cell”
- Misspelling as 'mass cell' or 'must cell'.
- Incorrectly using it as a general term for any immune cell.
- Mispronouncing 'mast' to rhyme with 'past' (US) or using a long 'a' as in 'master' (UK) is acceptable, but pronouncing it like 'must' is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct cell types. Both contain granules with histamine and are involved in allergies, but mast cells reside in tissues, while basophils circulate in the blood. They have different origins and some functional differences.
Yes, everyone has mast cells. They are normal components of the immune system, present in skin, lungs, digestive tract, and around blood vessels. Problems arise when they are overactive or dysregulated.
Degranulation is the process where the mast cell releases the contents of its internal granules (like histamine, heparin, tryptase) into the surrounding tissue. This is the key event that triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
A mast cell stabiliser is a medication (e.g., sodium cromoglicate, ketotifen) that helps prevent mast cells from degranulating. It is often used as a preventive treatment for asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and some other allergic conditions.
A type of white blood cell found in connective tissue that plays a key role in allergic reactions and inflammation by releasing histamine and other chemicals.
Mast cell is usually technical/scientific in register.
Mast cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːst ˌsel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæst ˌsel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship's MAST with SAILS (cells) that, when triggered by an allergen 'wind', release a storm of histamine.
Conceptual Metaphor
The mast cell is often metaphorically described as a 'guardian' or 'sentry' in tissues that 'sounds the alarm' (releases mediators) when it detects a threat, but can sometimes have a 'false alarm' (allergic reaction).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a mast cell in an allergic reaction?