Blood picture is a medical term that is used to describe the microscopic examination of a blood sample. It is an important diagnostic tool that helps doctors to identify and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of blood picture, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
Blood picture is defined as the examination of a blood sample under a microscope to identify the different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This examination can reveal important information about the health of an individual, including the presence of infections, anemia, and other medical conditions.
Origin
The term blood picture has its roots in the Latin word “pictura,” which means “picture” or “painting.” The term was first used in the medical field in the early 20th century to describe the microscopic examination of blood samples.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of blood picture can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blood picture is defined as “the appearance of the formed elements of the blood as viewed microscopically.” In the Oxford English Dictionary, blood picture is defined as “a microscopic examination of a blood sample to identify the different types of blood cells.”
Associations
Blood picture is associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions and to track the progression of diseases over time.
Synonyms
Synonyms for blood picture include blood smear, blood film, and peripheral blood smear.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for blood picture, but some related terms include normal blood count and abnormal blood count.
The same root words
The root word for blood picture is “pictura,” which is also found in other medical terms such as radiopictogram (an X-ray image) and electroencephalogram (a test that measures brain activity).
Example Sentences
- The doctor ordered a blood picture to check for signs of infection.
- The blood picture revealed a low red blood cell count, which indicated anemia.
- The technician prepared a blood smear for examination under the microscope.
- The blood film showed abnormal white blood cells, which suggested leukemia.
- The patient’s blood picture was monitored regularly to track the progress of their treatment.