leukocyte
/ˈluːkəˌsaɪt/
noun
Origin
Greek
leukos + kytos — white + hollow vessel/cell
Overview
Meaning Now
- A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a white blood cell.
Literal older meaning
white cell
Language path
Greek → French → English
Earliest form
leucocyte
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term emerged during the mid-19th century as microscopy advanced, allowing researchers to distinguish between the red corpuscles (erythrocytes) and the non-pigmented cells of the blood. The shift from the French 'leucocyte' to the anglicized 'leukocyte' reflects a broader trend in medical terminology to return to Greek-derived orthography.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
leukos
“bright, white”
- Ancient Greek
kytos
“hollow vessel, container”
- French, 1845
leucocyte
“white blood cell”
Coined by French scientists to describe the white corpuscles of the blood.
- English, 19th century
leucocyte
“white blood cell”
Direct borrowing from French.
- English, 20th century
leukocyte
“white blood cell”
Spelling modification to align more closely with Greek transliteration rules.
Connections
Word parts
leuko-
prefix
white
-cyte
suffix
cell
Related across languages
French
leucocyte
white blood cell
German
Leukozyt
white blood cell
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.