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Glite Dictionary
Leydig's cell

Leydig's cell

8.2
A cell in the testicles that makes the hormone testosterone
  • noun
  • /ˈleɪdɪɡz sɛl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : célula de Leydig
  • Testosterone is primarily produced by Leydig's cell in the testes.

Examples

  • The researcher observed a high concentration of Leydig's cells in the tissue sample.

  • The Leydig's cells are crucial for male reproductive health.

  • Leydig's cell dysfunction can lead to hormonal imbalances and fertility issues in adult males.

  • A Leydig's cell produces testosterone.

  • Testosterone is primarily produced by Leydig's cell in the testes.

  • Leydig's cell dysfunction can lead to hormonal imbalances and fertility issues in adult males.

  • Leydig's cell is essential for the production of testosterone in males.

Synonyms

Leydig cell
vsLeydig's cell
  • Specialized
3 7.1

A cell in the testes that makes the hormone testosterone

is written with a possessive apostrophe rather than without

Surface Forms

Leydig's cell singular
Leydig's cells plural

Morphology

Leydig's + cell

The phrase is an eponymous technical term: 'Leydig's' is a proper name and gives no clue to function, while 'cell' only indicates a biological unit. A B1 learner who knows the words would understand it's a type of cell named after someone but would not be able to derive the specific meaning (testosterone-producing cells in the testes) without specialized or prior knowledge, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Leydig's cell is named after the scientist Leydig, who first described these cells in the 1800s. These cells are found in the testes and make the hormone 'testosterone', so the name links the discoverer to the cells that do this job.