white cell

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Explanation of "White Cell"

Definition:
A "white cell," also known as a white blood cell, is a type of blood cell that helps your body fight infections. White cells can engulf (or swallow) harmful germs like bacteria and fungi, and they play a crucial role in your body's defense system.

Usage Instructions

• Countable Noun: You can say "a white cell" when talking about one of these cells, or "white cells" when talking about more than one.
• Context: White cells are often discussed in medical or health contexts, such as during a visit to the doctor or when talking about how the body fights off sickness.

Example Sentences

1. "When you get sick, your body produces more white cells to help fight the infection."
2. "Doctors can check the number of white cells in your blood to see if you have an infection."

Advanced Usage

In medical or scientific discussions, you might encounter terms like: - Leukocyte: This is another name for a white blood cell. - Immunology: The study of the immune system, which includes white cells.

Word Variants

• White Blood Cell (WBC): This is the full term for a white cell.
• Leukocytes: The plural form of leukocyte.

Different Meanings

In everyday language, "white cell" doesn't have other meanings outside the medical context. However, "white" and "cell" can have separate meanings: - White: Refers to the color, often associated with purity or cleanliness. - Cell: In biology, it refers to the basic unit of life, but can also mean a small room in a prison.

Academic

Noun

1. blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system

Synonyms

• leukocyte
• leucocyte
• white blood cell
• white blood corpuscle
• white corpuscle
• WBC