How Do You Spell LEUCOLYTIC?

Pronunciation: [lˌuːkəlˈɪtɪk] (IPA)

Leucolytic is a medical term that describes a substance that destroys or suppresses white blood cells. It is pronounced /ljuːkəˈlaɪtɪk/. The "leuco" part of the word comes from the Greek word "leukos," meaning white, and "lytic" means to destroy. The spelling of the word follows the common English convention where the consonant "y" is used to represent the vowel sound /juː/. This word is commonly used in medical literature and research.

LEUCOLYTIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Leucolytic refers to anything that has the ability to destroy or break down white blood cells, specifically leukocytes. The term is derived from the words "leuko," meaning white, and "lytic," meaning destruction. White blood cells play a crucial role in the immune system, defending the body against infections and diseases. Hence, any substance or agent that possesses leucolytic properties can directly or indirectly target and disrupt the integrity or function of these vital immune cells.

    Leucolytic substances can act through various mechanisms. Some may directly damage or rupture leukocytes, impairing their ability to perform their immune functions. Others may stimulate an excessive immune response that could lead to leukocyte death or excessive leukocyte activity. Leucolytic agents can be naturally occurring or synthetic in nature and may be found in medications, chemicals, or certain diseases.

    Leucolytic activity can have both beneficial and detrimental implications. In certain instances, it may be desirable to inhibit white blood cell activity, such as in autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks healthy cells. In such cases, leucolytic substances may be utilized to regulate the immune response and prevent further tissue damage. However, if leucolytic activity is not controlled or becomes excessive, it can result in a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and impairing its ability to combat diseases effectively.

  2. Relating to leucocytolysis, leucocytolytic.

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

Common Misspellings for LEUCOLYTIC

  • keucolytic
  • peucolytic
  • oeucolytic
  • lwucolytic
  • lsucolytic
  • lducolytic
  • lrucolytic
  • l4ucolytic
  • l3ucolytic
  • leycolytic
  • lehcolytic
  • lejcolytic
  • leicolytic
  • le8colytic
  • le7colytic
  • leuxolytic
  • leuvolytic
  • leufolytic
  • leudolytic
  • leucilytic

Etymology of LEUCOLYTIC

The word "leucolytic" is derived from two root words: "leuko" and "lytic".

1. "Leuko" comes from the Greek word "leukos" meaning "white". It is often used in scientific and medical terms related to white blood cells, which play a vital role in the body's immune system.

2. "Lytic" is derived from the Greek word "lysis", meaning "loosening" or "dissolution". In medical terminology, it refers to a process that causes the destruction or breakdown of cells or other substances.

Therefore, "leucolytic" combines these two roots to describe something that dissolves or breaks down white blood cells.

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