basophile

9.2

A white blood cell with small parts that stain dark blue and help in allergies

noun
/ˈbæsəˌfaɪl/

Specialized

: basófilo

The doctor noted an increase in basophile count in the patient's blood test.

Examples

As part of the immune system, the basophile plays a role in allergic reactions.
Basophile granules stain dark blue with basic dyes under the microscope.
A basophile plays a crucial role in allergic reactions.
Many basophiles are found in the bloodstream.
The doctor noted an increase in basophile count in the patient's blood test.
As part of the immune system, the basophile plays a role in allergic reactions.
Basophile granules stain dark blue with basic dyes under the microscope.

Synonyms

basophil

vsbasophile

Specialized

1 8.9

A white blood cell with tiny dark spots that helps the body react to allergies and swelling

is a granulocyte involved broadly in immune responses not only inflammation

Surface Forms

basophile singular

basophiles plural

Morphology

basophile = baso + phile

Although it is built from technical combining forms, the biological sense involving affinity for basic dyes is not readily recoverable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word basophile comes from parts that mean 'base' (baso-) and 'lover' (-phile). It literally means 'base-loving' because these white blood cells take up basic dyes used in the lab and so they stain dark under the microscope, which explains the modern medical meaning.