Definition of "platelet" [platelet]

• A minute, nonnucleated, disklike cytoplasmic body found in the blood plasma of mammals that is derived from a megakaryocyte and functions to promote blood clotting. Also called blood platelet, thrombocyte. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "When the flat mica platelet is coated with color, it becomes the perfect base for eye shadow."
• "This flat platelet is then colored, either with natural or non-natural colors, to form a shimmery, diamond-like color."
• "Milazzo L, Vulcano F, Pascuccio M, Macioce G, et al. (2008) Long-term platelet production assessed in NOD/SCID mice injected with cord blood CD34+ cells, thrombopoietin-amplified in clinical grade serum-free culture."