hepatocyte

noun

he·​pa·​to·​cyte hi-ˈpa-tə-ˌsīt How to pronounce hepatocyte (audio) ˈhe-pə-tə- How to pronounce hepatocyte (audio)
: an epithelial parenchymatous cell of the liver

Examples of hepatocyte in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Uniquely present in liver cells (hepatocytes) and absorptive cells in the intestinal lining (enterocytes), SOAT2 has been studied extensively in relation to its role in the development of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024 Fibroblasts in nervous tissue, lymphocytes of the immune system, and hepatocytes in the liver all enter dormant, inactive, nondividing phases and reactivate later. — Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hepatocyte was in 1965

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“Hepatocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hepatocyte. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

hepatocyte

noun
he·​pa·​to·​cyte hi-ˈpat-ə-ˌsīt How to pronounce hepatocyte (audio) ˈhep-ət-ə- How to pronounce hepatocyte (audio)
: any of the polygonal epithelial parenchymatous cells of the liver that secrete bile

called also hepatic cell, liver cell

More from Merriam-Webster on hepatocyte

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hepatocyte

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