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Glite Dictionary
megaloblast

megaloblast

8.7
A very large red blood cell that appears in some anemias
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛɡələˌblæst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : megaloblasto
  • The presence of megaloblasts in the blood is a hallmark of certain types of anemia.

Examples

  • Microscopic examination revealed several megaloblasts among the red blood cells.

  • A megaloblast is often found in patients with pernicious anemia.

  • A deficiency in vitamin B12 may result in the production of megaloblasts.

  • Doctors can identify megaloblasts through a blood test.

  • Microscopic examination revealed several megaloblasts among the red blood cells.

  • A deficiency in vitamin B12 may result in the production of megaloblasts.

  • The presence of megaloblasts in the blood is a hallmark of certain types of anemia.

Synonyms

macrocyte
vsmegaloblast
  • Specialized
9.1

A larger than normal red blood cell often linked to anemia

is associated with both pernicious anemia and folic acid deficiency
megalocyte
vsmegaloblast
  • Specialized
9.9

A very large red blood cell often seen in some anemias

is found particularly in pernicious anemia and folic acid deficiency

Surface Forms

megaloblast singular
megaloblasts plural

Morphology

megaloblast = blast (semi-transparent) = megalo + blast

Combines the combining form 'megalo-' meaning large with the medical stem 'blast' (immature cell); the medical term 'blast' is specialized, so the compound is only partly transparent to general learners.

Etymology

Megaloblast comes from the Greek parts mega- meaning 'large' and -blast meaning 'young cell' or 'bud', so it literally means a 'large young cell'. That's why megaloblasts are unusually large immature red blood cells often seen in some types of anemia.