A non-nucleated young red cell intermediate between the nucleated normoblast and normal red cell; it contains strands of nuclear material which take up supravital stains such as brilliant cresyl blue and show a basket like or reticulated appearance, normally, they are seen in peripherial blood to the extend of 0:5.-20 per cent of the red cells, but may be much increased in numbers(5. 0-70 per cent) in certain diseases such as haemolytic anaemia after severe haemorrhages, or for a short time (3-24 days) following commencement of active therapy in pernicious or iron-deficiency anemias.