By Mariah Jones
(noun. /MAK-row-sites/)
What does it mean?
A macrocyte is an unusually large red blood cell. Macrocytes area typical sign for a type of anemia, called [pernicious anemia.] A person with this type of anemia will most likely also, have a lack of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid in their system. These two vitamins are important for healthy red blood cells.
Note: not to be confused with macrophage, a type of white blood cell.
How do I use it in a sentence?
After Samantha’s annual checkup, her doctor found macrocytes in her blood sample taken at the appointment.
Etymology:
“Macro-” comes from the Greek word makro, meaning “large.” The ending, “-cyte,” usually indicates the word is related to cells of some kind. It comes from the Greek word kytos meaning “hollow vessel.”
Fields of study in which this word is commonly used:
Medicine
