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neutrophile

neutrophile

8.0
A white blood cell that eats and kills bacteria
  • noun
  • /ˈnjuːtrəˌfaɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : neutrófilo
  • A blood test showed an increased number of neutrophiles after the patient developed a fever.

Examples

  • Neutrophiles play a vital role in the body's defense against bacterial infections.

  • Doctors study the activity of neutrophile cells when investigating immune system disorders.

  • The neutrophile plays a crucial role in the immune response.

  • Many neutrophiles are found in the bloodstream.

  • Neutrophiles play a vital role in the body's defense against bacterial infections.

  • A blood test showed an increased number of neutrophiles after the patient developed a fever.

  • Many neutrophiles are found in the bloodstream.

Synonyms

neutrophil
vsneutrophile
  • Specialized
1 7.7

A white blood cell that eats and destroys bacteria and other germs

has identical meaning but is an alternative spelling
microphage
vsneutrophile
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A white blood cell that eats and digests small germs or particles

is the specific type mainly for bacterial destruction and staining with both dyes

Surface Forms

neutrophile singular
neutrophiles plural

Etymology

Neutrophile comes from two parts: neutro- meaning 'neutral' and -phile meaning 'loving' or 'attracted to'. So, a neutrophile is a white blood cell that 'likes' neutral dyes and takes up both acidic and basic stains while it fights bacteria, which is why the name describes what the cell does.