1. A type of white blood cell containing granules in its cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils; important for fighting infection and inflammation.
Usage: medical/scientific term; typically used in plural form; also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)

Examples

• Granulocytes make up about 50-70% of the total white blood cell count in healthy adults.
• The patient's granulocytes were elevated, indicating a possible bacterial infection.
• Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granulocytes in the human body.
• A complete blood count measures the levels of granulocytes and other white blood cells.
• Granulocytes are essential for the immune system's ability to fight off pathogens.
• The bone marrow continuously produces new granulocytes to replace those that die.