basophil /bā″səfil/ [Gk, basis + philein, to love] , a granulocytic white blood cell characterized by cytoplasmic granules that stain blue when exposed to a basic dye. Basophils represent 1% or less of the total white blood cell count. The relative number of basophils increases in myeloproliferative diseases and decreases in severe allergic reactions. An increase in number is seen during the healing phase of inflammation. Basophils produce histamine during inflammatory reactions. Also called basophilic erythrocyte. Compare eosinophil, neutrophil. See also agranulocyte, differential white blood cell count, granulocyte, leukocyte. −basophilic, adj.
