Monocytes Meaning and Definition
Monocytes
Pronunciation
/mɒˈnɒsaitz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system, characterized by its large size and mononuclear nucleus.
Examples
- Monocytes are the largest type of white blood cell in the human body.
- During an infection, monocytes increase in number to help fight off pathogens.
Synonyms
- Monoblast
- Monocyte precursor
Antonyms
- Lymphocyte
- Granulocyte
Etymology
The word “monocyte” comes from the Greek “monos”, meaning “alone”, and “kytos”, meaning “cell”.
Usage Notes
In medical contexts, the term “monocyte” is often used to describe the cell’s role in the immune system. In scientific research, the term is used to distinguish monocytes from other types of white blood cells.
Cultural References
Monocytes have been mentioned in various scientific and medical stories, including novels and documentaries.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
No common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “monocyte”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Leukocyte
- Granulocyte
- Lymphocyte
Collocations
- Monocyte count
- Monocyte levels
- Monocyte function
Frequency of Use
The word “monocyte” is less commonly used in everyday language, but is frequently used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
Monacetates, Monocetates, Monocites