neutrophil /no̅o̅″trəfil/ [L, neuter + Gk, philein, to love] , polymorphonuclear, granular leukocyte whose cytoplasmic granules stain with neutral dyes. The nucleus stains dark blue and contains three to five segments connected by slender threads of nuclear membrane. The cytoplasm contains fine, inconspicuous neutral granules. Neutrophils are the circulating white blood cells essential for phagocytosis and proteolysis by which bacteria, cellular debris, and solid particles are removed and destroyed. A neutrophil count less than or equal to 500/μL may be life-threatening. See also basophil, eosinophil, granulocyte.
