By Mariah Jones
Macrocytes
(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.
Image: LabMedica International. Image Source
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; Greek makro, meaning ‘large’
Cyte; New Latin cyta, from Greek kytos meaning ‘hollow vessel’
Fields of study in which this word is commonly used:
Medicine