WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
mast′ cell′, [Biol.]
  1. a large granular cell, common in connective tissue, that produces heparin, histamine, and serotonin.
  • partial translation of German Mastzelle, equivalent. to Mast fattening of animals for slaughter, mast2 + Zelle cell 1885–90

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
mast cell
  1. a type of granular basophil cell in connective tissue that releases heparin, histamine, and serotonin during inflammation and allergic reactions
Etymology: 19th Century: from mast2, on the model of German Mastzelle
'mast cell' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
mastocytosis

Forum discussions with the word(s) "mast cell" in the title:


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