basophil

noun

ba·​so·​phil ˈbā-sə-ˌfil How to pronounce basophil (audio)
-zə-
variants or less commonly basophile
: a basophilic substance or structure
especially : a white blood cell containing basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell

Examples of basophil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web IgE can bind to the surface of mast cells or basophils (types of white blood cells) and trigger hypersensitive reactions in response to allergens. Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 8 Sep. 2024 The antibodies hold onto white blood cells, called mast cells and basophils. Maureen Langley, Post-Tribune, 3 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'basophil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

noun derivative of basophil, basophile "basophilic," borrowed from German basophil, from Base base entry 1 or basisch basic entry 1 + -o- -o- + -phil -phil entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basophil was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near basophil

Cite this Entry

“Basophil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basophil. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

basophil

noun
ba·​so·​phil ˈbā-sə-ˌfil How to pronounce basophil (audio) -zə- How to pronounce basophil (audio)
variants also basophile
: a basophilic substance or structure
especially : a white blood cell with basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell

More from Merriam-Webster on basophil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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