-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
T cell
noun
: any of several lymphocytes (such as a helper T cell) that differentiate in the thymus, possess highly specific cell-surface antigen receptors, and include some that control the initiation or suppression of cell-mediated and humoral immunity (as by the regulation of T and B cell maturation and proliferation) and others that lyse antigen-bearing cells : t lymphocyte
The immature lymphoid cell, in turn, can be processed into a B cell, which makes infection-fighting antibodies, or a T cell, which recognizes foreign tissue and virally infected cells and directs the activities of the rest of the immune system.—
Gina Kolata
T cells recognize antigen only in association with cell surface molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex …—
Miranda Robertson
see helper t cell, killer t cell compare b cell
Examples of T cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Still, Bryan was impressed an early dose of CAR T cells worked quickly in two dogs, back to back, as were the owners.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Reina-Campos leads research into how the body’s T cells might be used to fight tumors.
—
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
The scientists discovered that this specific flavonoid acts as a microbiological antagonist in the gut that ultimately boosts the number of regulatory T cells (T-regs), which suppress the body’s allergic response.
—
New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2024
Retinoic acid then triggers the development of regulatory T cells (T-regs), immune cells that suppress the body’s allergic response.
—
New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for T cell ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-06--20-43-45-x16ho/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
thymus-derived cell
First Known Use
1970, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near T cell
Cite this Entry
“T cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/T%20cell. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
T cell
noun
: any of the lymphocytes (as a helper T cell) that usually mature in the thymus and take an active part in immune responses compare b cell
Medical Definition
T cell
noun
: any of several lymphocytes (as a helper T cell) that differentiate in the thymus, possess highly specific cell-surface antigen receptors, and include some that control the initiation or suppression of cell-mediated and humoral immunity (as by the regulation of T and B cell maturation and proliferation) and others that lyse antigen-bearing cells
called also T lymphocyte
see cytotoxic t cell, helper t cell, suppressor t cell, t4 cellMore from Merriam-Webster on T cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about T cell
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share