Anucleate

/eɪˈnuː.kli.ət/ adjective

Definition

Lacking a nucleus, or describing a cell that has no nucleus (most famously, mature red blood cells).

Etymology

From prefix 'a-' (meaning 'without') plus Latin 'nucleus' (meaning 'kernel' or 'nucleus'); literally 'without a nucleus'.

Kelly Says

Red blood cells are the weirdest cells in your body—they dump their nucleus to fit more hemoglobin and carry more oxygen, making them anucleate superheroes of oxygen delivery.

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