sickle cell

n.
An abnormal, crescent-shaped red blood cell that results from a single change in the amino acid sequence of the cell's hemoglobin, which causes the cell to contort, especially under low-oxygen conditions.

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sickle cell

Top, red blood cells; bottom, sickle cells

(sĭk'əl)
n.

An abnormal, crescent-shaped red blood cell that results from a single change in the amino acid sequence of the cell's hemoglobin, which causes the cell to contort, especially under low-oxygen conditions. Also called drepanocyte, meniscocyte.

A crescentic or sickle-shaped erythrocyte. In humans, the abnormal shape is caused by a structural hemoglobinopathy. Sickle cells are found in normal members of the family Cervidae (deer).

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: an abnormal red blood cell that has a crescent shape and an abnormal form of hemoglobin

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