plate·let (pl t l t)n. A minute, nonnucleated, disklike cytoplasmic body found in the blood plasma of mammals that is derived from a megakaryocyte and functions to promote blood clotting. Also called blood platelet, thrombocyte. |
platelet [ˈpleɪtlɪt]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) a minute cell occurring in the blood of vertebrates and involved in clotting of the blood Formerly called thrombocyte
[a small plate]
| platelet (pltlt) Any of the numerous small, round cell fragments found in the blood of mammals that function in the clotting of blood. Platelets contain no nuclei and are formed in the bone marrow from precursor cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets contribute to the coagulation process by adhering to damaged blood vessels, fibrinogen, and other platelets. An inadequate number of platelets leads to uncontrolled bleeding. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  platelet - tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clottingliving substance, protoplasm - the substance of a living cell (including cytoplasm and nucleus) |
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