Advertisement
Advertisement
platelet
[ pleyt-lit ]
platelet
/ ˈpleɪtlɪt /
noun
- a minute cell occurring in the blood of vertebrates and involved in clotting of the blood Formerly calledthrombocyte
platelet
/ plāt′lĭt /
- Any of the numerous small, round cell fragments found in the blood of mammals that function in the clotting of blood. Platelets contain no nuclei and are formed in the bone marrow from precursor cells called megakaryocytes . Platelets contribute to the coagulation process by adhering to damaged blood vessels, fibrinogen, and other platelets. An inadequate number of platelets leads to uncontrolled bleeding.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of platelet1
C19: a small plate
Discover More
Example Sentences
Aspirin fails to reduce platelet production in aspirant-resistant individuals.
From The Daily Beast
A single platelet lying upon a red corpuscle may easily be mistaken for a malarial parasite (Plate VI).
From Project Gutenberg
Platelet: a little plate or sclerite of chitin in a membrane.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[gal-uh-maw-free ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse