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Glite Dictionary
cytometer

cytometer

8.2
A machine that counts and looks at cells in blood or other lab samples
  • noun
  • /saɪˈtɑːmɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : citómetro
  • A state-of-the-art cytometer can provide detailed information about cell size and viability.
  • flow cytometer

Examples

  • During her research, she operated a cytometer to analyze the different types of cells present.

  • The counts were made on edetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated blood in a H*1 flow cytometer (Technicon Instruments Corporation, Tarrytown, New York, USA).

    Academic text (1992)

  • A cytometer tallied the counts of these parameters.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Accommodationists = Let's play nice and maybe we'll get that new flow cytometer/x-ray spectrograph/keg for happy hour.

    Blog text (24)

  • Cells were analyzed using Canto III or LSR II flow cytometers (BD Biosciences).

    Academic text (2017)

  • The laboratory used a cytometer to count the number of cells in each sample accurately.

Synonyms

hemocytometer
vscytometer
  • Specialized
9.1

A glass device with a grid used under a microscope to count tiny cells in liquid

is a broader laboratory device for counting and analyzing cells
hemacytometer
vscytometer
  • Specialized
9.9

A special glass slide with a grid that you use under a microscope to count blood cells

is the broader device used for cell counting and further analysis

Surface Forms

cytometer singular
cytometers plural

Morphology

cytometer = cyto + meter

The meaning is specialized scientific vocabulary: 'cyto-' refers to cells and '-meter' to a measuring device, but the combining form is not transparent to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Cytometer comes from the Greek parts cyto- meaning 'cell' and -meter meaning 'measure', the same -meter you see in thermometer. So, a cytometer is a tool that 'measures' or counts cells, which is why labs use it to analyze blood and other samples.