Definition

A medical condition where there is a higher than normal number of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes in the blood, often due to infections or inflammation.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with lymphocytosis after reviewing her blood test results.

Conversation

I just found out my doctor mentioned something about lymphocytosis in my blood test results.

Oh, really? What does that mean?

It means I have a higher than normal number of lymphocytes, usually due to an infection.

That sounds a bit concerning, but at least they know what's going on!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lymphocytosis → It is formed from "lympho-" (from Greek "lympha", meaning clear fluid) and "cytosis" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell). The term refers to an increase in lymphocytes, which are a type of cell found in the clear fluid of the lymphatic system.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lympho-' as relating to the clear fluid in your body and 'cytosis' as referring to cells — together, they describe a condition where there are more lymph cells than normal.

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