astrocyte
|as-tro-cyte|
/ˈæstrəˌsaɪt/
star-shaped support cell in the brain
Etymology
'astrocyte' originates from New Latin/modern scientific coinage, ultimately from Greek: 'astron' meaning 'star' and 'kytos' meaning 'cell'.
'astrocyte' was formed from Greek roots 'astron' + 'kytos' into New Latin/Neo-Latin scientific usage (e.g. 'astrocytus'), and later entered English as 'astrocyte' in scientific literature.
Initially it meant 'a star-shaped cell', and over time it has retained that core sense while acquiring more specific functional meanings related to neuronal support and roles in the blood–brain barrier.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a star-shaped glial cell of the central nervous system that supports neurons, helps maintain the blood–brain barrier, regulates ion and neurotransmitter concentrations, and contributes to metabolic support and repair.
Astrocytes help regulate the chemical environment around neurons and support the blood–brain barrier.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 20:27