(ē‵ŏ-sin'ŏ-fil , ē‵ŏ-sin'ŏ-fīl‵ )

[eosin + -phile]

ABBR: EO

A white blood cell with a lobed nucleus and cytoplasmic granules that stain red with Wright's stain. Eosinophils make up 1% to 3% of the white cell count. They contribute to the destruction of parasites and to allergic reactions by releasing chemical mediators such as histamine.

SYN: acidophilic leukocyte; eosinophilic leukocyte.

SEE: blood for illus.; leukocyte.