reticulocyte /ritik″yələsīt′/ [L, reticulum + Gk, kytos, cell] , an immature erythrocyte characterized by a meshlike pattern of nucleic acids when stained using new methylene blue dye. Reticulocytes normally account for less than 2% of the circulating erythrocytes. A greater proportion reflects increased bone marrow generation of red blood cells. Also called polychromatophilic erythrocyte when seen in a Wright-stained peripheral blood film. Compare erythrocyte. See also normoblast.
