platelet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical
Quick answer
What does “platelet” mean?
A small, disc-shaped cell fragment in the blood that is essential for clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, disc-shaped cell fragment in the blood that is essential for clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
The term can refer to any small plate-like structure, but this usage is rare and highly technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is standard in medical English in both regions.
Connotations
Purely medical/scientific. No cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equal frequency in medical and biological contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “platelet” in a Sentence
the platelet's [function]a drop in platelet [count]an increase in platelet [activity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and biochemical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used only when discussing health, medical test results, or blood donation.
Technical
The primary register. Used in laboratory reports, clinical diagnoses, and pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “platelet”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “platelet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “platelet”
- Mispronouncing as /plætˈliːt/ (incorrect stress).
- Misspelling as "platelette" or "platlet."
- Confusing with "platelike" (adjective describing shape).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are not full cells. They are cell fragments produced by large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.
A high platelet count (thrombocytosis) can increase the risk of forming unwanted blood clots (thrombosis).
Yes, but a very low count (thrombocytopenia) increases the risk of severe bleeding and requires medical management.
Yes, platelet donation (apheresis) uses a machine to separate platelets from your blood and returns the other components to your body. It takes longer than whole blood donation.
A small, disc-shaped cell fragment in the blood that is essential for clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
Platelet is usually technical in register.
Platelet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpleɪtlət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpleɪtlət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny dinner PLATE (plate-) that's been made very small (-LET) and floats in your blood to help patch up cuts.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLATE (due to its shape) + LET (diminutive suffix) = a small, flat repair disc for blood vessels.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of platelets?