Definition: A type of white blood cell (leukocyte). These cells help you fight infections by releasing histamine and other chemicals that help dilate your blood vessels when your immune response is triggered. They are part of the subset of white blood cells called granulocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
Pronunciation: BA-zu-fil
Also Known As: basophile
Alternate Spellings: basophile
Common Misspellings: basofil, basefil
Examples:
Basophils help fight bacterial infections. The granules in a basophil will easily take color (stain) from synthetic aniline (basic) dyes. In the image, this basophil's granules are stained dark blue.
