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monocytosis

monocytosis

9.9
A higher than normal number of monocytes, a type of white blood cell, that often means infection or inflammation
  • noun
  • /ˌmɒnəʊsɪˈtoʊsɪs/
  • Specialized
: monocitosis
  • The doctor noted monocytosis on the patient's blood test, prompting further investigation.

Examples

  • Chronic infections can sometimes cause persistent monocytosis.

  • Doctors often associate monocytosis with infections.

  • Monocytosis may be a sign of an underlying inflammatory condition.

  • The test revealed monocytosis in the patient's blood.

  • The doctor noted monocytosis on the patient's blood test, prompting further investigation.

  • Chronic infections can sometimes cause persistent monocytosis.

  • Monocytosis may be a sign of an underlying inflammatory condition.

Surface Forms

monocytosis singular
monocytoses plural

Morphology

monocytosis = monocyte (semi-transparent) = monocyte + osis

Formed by adding the medical suffix '-osis' to 'monocyte' meaning an increase/condition of monocytes; the relation is clear to those who know medical morphemes but the suffix is specialised for general learners.

Etymology

The word monocytosis breaks into mono- 'one', cyto- 'cell', and -osis 'condition' or 'increase'. So, monocytosis means there are more monocytes, a type of white blood 'cell', in the blood, which often shows infection or inflammation.