acanthocyte
noun
acan·tho·cyte
ə-ˈkan(t)-thə-ˌsīt 
: an abnormal red blood cell having several unevenly spaced and variously shaped cytoplasmic projections with blunt tips
The presence of acanthocytes implies advanced liver disease and carries a worse prognosis.—
Bruce R. Bacon et al., Comprehensive Clinical Hepatology
Bruce R. Bacon et al., Comprehensive Clinical Hepatologycalled also spur cell
Cite this Entry
“Acanthocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/acanthocyte. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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