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Definition

noun, plural: pleocytoses

An abnormal increase in cell count, such as white blood cell count in bodily fluid (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid).

Supplement

Pleocytosis is often used to refer to the unusually high WBC count in bodily fluid such as the CSF. This condition could indicate infection or inflammation. A moderate pleocytosis is characteristic of tuberculous meningitis wherein most patients have more than 5 x 10⁶ white blood cells/liter.

Word origin: Greek pleion (more) + kytos (cell) + -osis (condition).

See also: lymphocytosis, leukocytosis.