(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 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 .