Meaning & use

astrocyte

noun·Advanced

A star-shaped cell in the brain and spinal cord that supports and nourishes neurons.

See it in a sentence

Astrocytes help regulate the chemical environment around neurons in the brain.

Researchers found that damaged astrocytes may contribute to certain neurological disorders.

A note on using this word

A type of glial cell, named for its star-like branching shape under a microscope.

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