noun
- large white blood cells that help fight infections and remove dead or damaged cells from the body
Usage: medical; biology
Examples
- Monocytes are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream.
- The blood test showed elevated monocytes, indicating a possible infection.
- Monocytes can transform into macrophages when they enter tissues.
- A complete blood count measures the number of monocytes in your blood.
- Doctors monitor monocyte levels to assess immune system function.
- Monocytes make up about 2-8% of all white blood cells in healthy adults.