microcyte Path.
(ˈmaɪkrəsaɪt, ˈmɪkrəʊ-)
[f. micro- + -cyte.]
A minute red blood-corpuscle. Hence microcytic (-ˈsɪtɪk) a., typical or characteristic of a microcyte; characterized by microcytes; microcytosis (-saɪˈtəʊsɪs) = microcythæmia.
| 1876 tr. Wagner's Gen. Pathol. 518 Microcytes..are small elements, not exceeding ·003 or ·004 mm. in diameter, brightly shining, of the same colour (or even deeper) as the red corpuscles. 1884 A. Flint Princ. Med. (ed. 5) 62 These microcytes are regarded by some as red blood corpuscles in process of formation, by others as atrophied or degenerated red corpuscles. 1890 Billings Med. Dict. II. 154/1 Microcytosis, production of microcytes. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. IV. 579 Small red corpuscles or microcytes may occur in varying numbers. 1925 Amer. Jrnl. Med. Sci. CXXX. 684 Measurements..showed the majority of the cells to be microcytic. 1932 [see macrocyte]. 1938 H. Downey Handbk. Hematol. III. xxxi. 2286 One cannot fail to notice that the average size of the red cells is less than normal; there is a distinct microcytosis. 1962 Lancet 12 May 1004/2 Clinical and hæmatological examinations..showed anæmia with anisocytosis, microcytosis, macrocytosis, and reticulocytosis. 1966 Ibid. 24 Dec. 1398/2 Prasad described a syndrome of microcytic anæmia. |