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Basophilic leukocyte

a polymorphonuclear leukocyte characterised by many large, coarse, metachromatic granules (dark purple or blue-black when treated with Wright's or similar stains) that usually fill the cytoplasm and may almost mask the nucleus; these leukocytes are unique in that they usually do not occur in increased numbers as the result of acute infectious disease, and their phagocytic qualities are probably not significant; the granules, which contain heparin and histamine, may degranulate in response to hypersensitivity reactions and can be of significance in general inflammation.

Synonym: basocyte, basophilocyte, mast leukocyte.