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leukocyte (loo´ko-sīt)   a type of blood cell that lacks hemoglobin and is therefore colorless. Leukocytes are larger in size and fewer in number than erythrocytes; normally the blood has about 8000 of them per mm3. In contrast to erythrocytes, leukocytes can move about under their own power with ameboid movement. Their chief functions are to act as scavengers and to help fight infections. Leukocytes are classified in two main groups, the granular leukocytes and the nongranular leukocytes.. The neutrophil is the most common type of leukocyte, and the eosinophil is the second most common. Called also white cell or corpuscle and white blood cell or corpuscle. adj., leukocyt´ic., adj.




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