platelet

noun

plate·​let ˈplāt-lət 

: a minute flattened body (as of ice or a mineral)

especially : a minute colorless disklike body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium

called also blood platelet, thrombocyte

Examples of platelet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome). —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

About 55% of our blood is plasma—the remaining 45% are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in the plasma. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

According to animal and lab research, evening primrose oil may reduce platelet aggregation and blood clotting time. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024

Myeloid cells are immature white blood cells that develop into red blood cells, platelets, and certain white blood cells known as neutrophils. —Doru Paul, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platelet

• blood platelet

Kids Definition

platelet

noun

plate·​let ˈplāt-lət 

: one of the tiny colorless disk-shaped bodies of the blood of mammals that assist in blood clotting

Medical Definition

platelet

noun

plate·​let ˈplāt-lət 

: a minute colorless anucleate disklike body of mammalian blood that is derived from fragments of megakaryocyte cytoplasm, that is released from the bone marrow into the blood, and that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium

called also blood platelet, thrombocyte