What term describes red blood cells that are larger than normal?

The term that describes red blood cells that are larger than normal is macrocytic. This condition can be indicative of several underlying health issues, including vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or liver disease. When red blood cells are larger than usual, they are referred to as macrocytes. This enlargement can affect the way these cells function and may lead to problems such as decreased oxygen transport and increased risk of anemia.

Microcytic, on the other hand, refers to red blood cells that are smaller than normal, often associated with conditions like iron deficiency anemia. Anisocytosis describes the presence of red blood cells of varying sizes, which may include both larger and smaller cells but does not specifically indicate the presence of larger cells alone. Polychromasia refers to the presence of red blood cells that vary in color due to differences in hemoglobin concentration; this term does not specifically relate to cell size. Each of these other terms highlights different characteristics or conditions affecting red blood cells but does not accurately describe them as larger than normal like macrocytic does.