n :  a T cell that usu. bears CD8 molecular markers on its surface and that functions in cell-mediated immunity by destroying a cell (as a tumor cell) having a specific antigenic molecule on its surface - called also cytolytic T cell , cytolytic T lymphocyte , cytotoxic T cell , cytotoxic T lymphocyte , killer T lymphocyte  - compare HELPER T CELL SUPPRESSOR T CELL  .
 
 
 
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