globulo bianco
masculine
The Italian phrase for "white blood cell" is globulo bianco.
In cytology, a globulo bianco refers to a type of blood cell involved in an immune response, also known as a leukocyte.
Meaning: cytology: a type of blood cell that is involved with an immune response (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a literal translation of "white globule", where globulo means globule or sphere and bianco means white.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "white blood cells", use globuli bianchi.
Did you know?
- The term bianco is used to describe the color of these cells, even though they actually appear translucent or colorless under a microscope when living.
- The word bianco is used in the phrase lasciare in bianco, which means to leave a part of a legal document unsigned or unfilled.
- The term globulo is a diminutive of the Latin word for sphere, literally meaning 'little ball'.
Examples in context
- Gli esami del sangue hanno rivelato un numero elevato di globuli bianchi.The blood tests revealed a high count of white blood cells.
- Il numero di globuli bianchi è troppo alto.The number of white blood cells is too high.
- Il globulo bianco combatte le infezioni.The white blood cell fights infections.
- Il medico ha analizzato ogni globulo bianco.The doctor analyzed every white blood cell.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing medical test results.
- MatteoGiulia, cosa dice l'analisi del sangue?Giulia, what does the blood test say?
- GiuliaIl livello di globulo bianco è normale.The white blood cell level is normal.
- MatteoQuindi non ho un'infezione?So I don't have an infection?
- GiuliaEsatto, Matteo, tutto sembra a posto.Exactly, Matteo, everything seems fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “white blood cell” translations and entries globulo bianco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bianco, globulo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
