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Basophil

Etymology:

Baso, coming from "base" (so named because basophils stain well with basic or alkaline dyes allowing them to be distinguished from other cells when seen under a microscope)  + phílos: “dear, beloved”

Definition:

1) A white blood cell responsible for inflammatory reactions during immune response. Considered base-loving given that its contents have an affinity for basic or alkaline dyes used for staining to see under a microscope.


2) One of the endocrine basophilic cells of the adenohypophysis, including gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs.

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