How Do You Spell POECILOCYTE?

1. Poecilocyte refers to an abnormally shaped red blood cell characterized by irregularities in its size, shape, and structure. Derived from the Greek words "poikilos" meaning "varied" and "kytos" meaning "cell," this term is typically used in medical and hematological contexts to describe unique red blood cells that deviate from the normal discoid shape that they should typically exhibit.

   The irregularities in poecilocytes can manifest in several ways, including the presence of spicules or projections, asymmetrical contours, or the formation of rod-like structures. These abnormal features can result from various pathophysiological conditions affecting the red blood cells, such as certain hereditary disorders or acquired diseases.

   The presence of poecilocytes in a peripheral blood smear, which involves examining a sample of blood under a microscope, can provide valuable information to healthcare professionals regarding the underlying cause of anemia or other blood-related disorders. It may indicate the presence of conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or myelodysplastic syndromes.

   Given the unique morphological characteristics of poecilocytes, their identification and quantification can aid in diagnosing and monitoring diseases that affect the red blood cells. However, further confirmatory testing may be required to establish a definitive diagnosis and guide appropriate medical interventions.

2. For this and other words beginning with poe-, see pecilocyte, etc.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for POECILOCYTE

The word "poecilocyte" derives from the combination of two Greek roots: "poikilos" (ποικίλος) and "kytos" (κύτος).

1. "Poikilos" means "varied", "colored", or "diverse" in Greek. It is commonly used to describe something with different colors or patterns.

2. "Kytos" means "cell" in Greek. It is often used to refer to biological cells.

When combined, "poikilos" and "kytos" form "poecilocyte", which is a term used in biology to describe abnormal or irregularly shaped cells. Specifically, in the context of red blood cells, poecilocytes are those that exhibit abnormal morphology or shape.