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leukocyte

[C] Countable

pl: leukocytes

This term belongs to the specialized lexicon of hematology and immunology. It carries a clinical, sterile tone and is used primarily in medical reports, scientific papers, and diagnostic contexts. While a layperson might use the word white blood cell, leukocyte is the precise technical designation used by professionals to categorize these cells regardless of their specific subtype. In a diagnostic sense, the word often evokes a state of biological alert. When a doctor mentions leukocytes, the mental image is one of a cellular army mobilizing to neutralize pathogens, emphasizing a defensive and reactive biological process.

Countable when referring to individual cells or the total number of cells measured in a blood sample.

Meanings

Noun

A colorless cell in some organisms that is capable of migrating to sites of tissue damage or infection to protect the body.

"The patient's leukocyte count was elevated, indicating an active infection."

Last Updated: May 28, 2026•Report an Error