What does leukocyte mean?
A leukocyte is a white blood cell, a general term for the cells of the immune system found in blood, lymph, and other body tissues. Leukocytes help defend the body against infection, inflammation, and other threats. The word is especially common in clinical and scientific contexts, including blood tests and medical research. It is broader than names for individual types of white blood cells: a leukocyte may be a lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, or one of several other kinds. In a complete blood count, the leukocyte count measures the number of these cells circulating in the blood and can help clinicians identify infection, inflammation, or certain immune and blood disorders. The term is sometimes replaced in ordinary speech by the more familiar “white blood cell,” while medical writing favors the more precise scientific name.
nounA leukocyte is a white blood cell, one of the cells of the immune system that helps protect the body against infection and disease.
- A white blood cell; a cell of the immune system that circulates in blood and lymphatic tissue and participates in immune responses.
"The test revealed an elevated leukocyte count, suggesting that her body was fighting an infection."
"The doctor ordered a leukocyte count to check for signs of infection."
"Researchers examined how leukocytes move through the tissues toward an injured site."
The standard plural is leukocytes, as in “the leukocytes entered the affected tissue.”
"The microscope showed numerous leukocytes in the sample."
Every leukocyte is part of the body's mobile internal defense system, helping patrol the bloodstream and respond to infection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of leukocyte
Leukocyte comes from Greek leukos, meaning “white,” and kytos, meaning “cell,” together conveying “white cell.” It entered English in the nineteenth century through scientific and medical usage. The related form leucocyte is a traditional spelling, while leukocyte is now widely used in American English and in much contemporary medical terminology. The same Greek element underlies terms such as leukemia and leukopenia.
Related word forms
How leukocyte is actually used
The term is chiefly used in medicine and biology. It is a formal or clinical term, and it is broader than terms for individual kinds of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, or monocytes.
Easily confused with leukocyte
A leukocyte is any white blood cell, whereas a lymphocyte is one specific type of white blood cell involved in immune responses.