ScienceAugust 11, 2026
neutrophils
NOO-truh-filz
Definition
A type of white blood cell that acts as a primary immune responder by identifying, engulfing, and destroying invading bacteria during an infection.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'neuter' (neither) and the Greek 'philos' (loving). They were named this because they do not strongly stain with either acidic or basic dyes in laboratory tests.
In the news
The article identifies neutrophils as 'first responders' that the Clark lab monitors to see how they perform when the immune system is primed by protective bacteria like Prevotella.
Lab Digs Into Prevotella’s Defensive Power Against Bacterial Pneumonia
Read the full article ↗news.cuanschutz.edu