corpuscle

noun

cor·​pus·​cle ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pə-səl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
1
: a minute particle
2
a
: a living cell
especially : one (such as a red or white blood cell or a cell in cartilage or bone) not aggregated into continuous tissues
b
: any of various small circumscribed multicellular bodies
corpuscular
kȯr-ˈpə-skyə-lər How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
adjective

Examples of corpuscle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whether light was a wave or a particle-like entity (then called a corpuscle), though, was a point of contention for many centuries. — Big Think, 7 May 2026 In the 1990s Dr Semenza was studying erythropoiesis, the process that generates red blood corpuscles. — The Economist, 12 Oct. 2019 Like Meissner corpuscles, Krause corpuscles detect vibration. — Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin corpusculum "small body, minute particle," from corpus-, base of corpor-, corpus "body" + -culum, diminutive suffix (variant of -ulus with nouns of the third, fourth and fifth declensions) — more at midriff

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of corpuscle was in 1660

Phrases Containing corpuscle

Browse Nearby Words

Corpus Christi
corpuscle
corpuscle of Hassall
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Cite this Entry

“Corpuscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corpuscle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

corpuscle

noun
cor·​pus·​cle ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pəs-əl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
1
: a very small particle
2
: one of the very small cells (as a red blood cell) that float freely in the blood
corpuscular
kȯr-ˈpəs-kyə-lər How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

corpuscle

noun
cor·​pus·​cle ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pəs-əl How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
1
: a living cell
especially : one (as a red or white blood cell or a cell in cartilage or bone) not aggregated into continuous tissues
2
: any of various small circumscribed multicellular bodies
—usually used with a qualifying term
Malpighian corpuscles
corpuscular
kȯr-ˈpəs-kyə-lər How to pronounce corpuscle (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on corpuscle

Nglish: Translation of corpuscle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corpuscle

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