Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
chromophil
Adjective
/ˌkroʊməˈfɪl/
Definition
A chromophil is a cell or tissue that has an affinity for staining with certain dyes or colors, often used in histology or microscopy to identify specific structures.
Examples
- Chromophil cells are often found in glands, where they take up specific stains.
- The technician noted the chromophil properties of the tissue during the microscope examination.
- Understanding which cells are chromophil can help in diagnosing certain conditions.
Meaning
The term ‘chromophil’ derives from Greek roots, where ‘chromo’ means color and ‘phil’ means loving. It describes cells that readily absorb color or dyes, which is useful in biological studies.
Synonyms
- Staining-loving
- Dye-absorbing
- Color-attracting
