enterocyte

noun

en·​tero·​cyte ˈen-tə-rō-ˌsīt How to pronounce enterocyte (audio)
plural enterocytes
: any of numerous columnar, absorptive, epithelial cells that line the villi of the small intestine and have microvilli projecting from the cell membrane to form a brush border
At age 28 years she had a small-intestine biopsy; the findings were not consistent with celiac disease but rather revealed lipid-engorged enterocytes.Daniel J. Rader et al.

Examples of enterocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Uniquely present in liver cells (hepatocytes) and absorptive cells in the intestinal lining (enterocytes), SOAT2 has been studied extensively in relation to its role in the development of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries. New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French entérocyte, from entéro- entero- + -cyte -cyte

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enterocyte was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near enterocyte

Cite this Entry

“Enterocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterocyte. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

enterocyte

noun
en·​tero·​cyte ˈen-tə-rō-ˌsīt How to pronounce enterocyte (audio)
: any of numerous columnar, absorptive, epithelial cells that line the villi of the small intestine and have microvilli projecting from the cell membrane to form a brush border
The most abundant type of gut epithelial cell, the enterocyte, has many finger-like projections at its apical surface called microvilli, which are rich in digestive enzymes known as hydrolases.Aparna Lakkaraju et al.
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