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Glite Dictionary
granulocytopenia

granulocytopenia

9.9
A low number of certain white blood cells that fight infection, often after cancer treatment
  • noun
  • /ˌɡrænjʊloʊsaɪtəˈpiːniə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : granulocitopenia
  • Patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience granulocytopenia, which requires close monitoring of their blood cell counts.

Examples

  • Treatment must be discontinued if granulocytopenia occurs, or if the serum alanine aminotransferase activity exceeds the upper limit of normal by ten times or more, or if clinical jaundice develops.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Serious adverse reactions have been reported in adults treated with benznidazole, including generalized allergic dermopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and granulocytopenia.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The doctor explained that granulocytopenia is a serious condition that can lead to increased risk of infections.

  • After the treatment, she developed granulocytopenia, and the medical team adjusted her medication accordingly.

Synonyms

agranulocytosis
vsgranulocytopenia
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A very low number of certain white blood cells that help fight infection

is a lower granulocyte count that can be milder than the acute form
agranulosis
vsgranulocytopenia
  • Specialized
9.9

A very low number of white blood cells that fight infection

is a less specific low count of granulocytes not always severe
leukopenia
vsgranulocytopenia
  • Specialized
9.8

A low number of white blood cells in the blood, making infections more likely

is specifically about low granulocytes rather than all white blood cell types

Surface Forms

granulocytopenia singular
granulocytopenias plural

Morphology

granulocytopenia = granulocyte (opaque) = granulocyte + penia

Although analyzable as 'granulocyte' + the medical suffix '-penia' (meaning deficiency), both elements are highly technical and not transparently meaningful to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Granulocytopenia breaks into three parts: granulo- meaning 'small grain', shown in the word granule, cyto- meaning 'cell', and -penia meaning 'lack' or 'not enough'. So granulocytopenia means 'not enough grain-like cells', which is why it names a low number of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell.