1 oligodendrocyte | Definition of oligodendrocyte
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oligodendrocyte

noun
ol·​i·​go·​den·​dro·​cyte | \ ˈä-li-gō-ˈden-drə-ˌsīt How to pronounce oligodendrocyte (audio) , ˈō-; ə-ˌli-gə-\

Definition of oligodendrocyte

: a glial cell that resembles an astrocyte but is smaller with few and slender processes having few branches and that forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system — see oligodendroglia

Examples of oligodendrocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The ragged extensions of an oligodendrocyte can supply many neurons (nerve cells) with myelin, an insulating material which allows each neuron's communicating axon to transmit electrical impulses efficiently. — Doug Criss, CNN, "5 things for March 28: North Korea & China, Sacramento, water park death, new organ," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oligodendrocyte.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of oligodendrocyte

1932, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for oligodendrocyte

International Scientific Vocabulary, from olig- + dendr- + -cyte

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More Definitions for oligodendrocyte

oligodendrocyte

noun
oli·​go·​den·​dro·​cyte | \ -ˈden-drə-ˌsīt How to pronounce oligodendrocyte (audio) \

Medical Definition of oligodendrocyte

: a glial cell that resembles an astrocyte but is smaller with few and slender processes having few branches and that forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system

More from Merriam-Webster on oligodendrocyte

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oligodendrocyte

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