Definition

A type of white blood cell that develops in the thymus and is important for the immune system, specifically as a precursor to T cells.

Example

Thymocytes play a crucial role in the development of the immune response.

Conversation

Hey, do you know what a thymocyte is?

Yeah, it’s a type of lymphocyte that develops in the thymus, right?

Exactly! I read that they are crucial for T cell development.

That's interesting! I didn't realize they played such an important role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thymocyte is formed from "thymo-" (from Greek "thymos", meaning spirit or soul) and "-cyte" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell). The term refers to a cell associated with the thymus, which is involved in the immune system and is often linked to the spirit or essence of life.

Memory Tip

Think of 'thymo-' relating to the spirit or essence, and '-cyte' meaning cell, which helps you remember that a thymocyte is a cell connected to the essence of the immune system.

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