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microcyte

1 of 1noun
/ˈmaɪkroʊˌsaɪt/
Forms:microcytes
1

an abnormally small red blood cell that can indicate certain types of anemia or underlying health conditions

A microcyte is a smaller-than-normal red blood cell that is often associated with certain types of anemia. These cells have a reduced size and may be indicative of underlying medical conditions affecting the production or maturation of red blood cells in the body. Microcytes can be observed and evaluated through a complete blood count (CBC) test and are an important parameter in diagnosing and monitoring certain hematological disorders.