Rouleaux

Rouleaux is the plural form of rouleau, a French term meaning a small roll or cylinder. In English usage, rouleaux describes objects arranged in a linear series that resemble a sequence of rolled units. The word appears in several domains, typically where the shape or arrangement is cylindrical or rolled.

Culinary use. In cooking and pastry, rouleaux denotes rolled or cylindrical foods, such as rolled pastries or slices designed to be served in a compact, baton-like form. The term is common in French-inspired cuisine and can refer to both sweet and savory rolled preparations.

Medical use. In hematology, rouleaux refers to the stacking of red blood cells in a coin‑like formation. This occurs when plasma protein levels—most notably fibrinogen or immunoglobulins—are elevated, as seen in inflammatory states or certain plasma cell disorders. On a blood smear, red cells appear in parallel columns rather than as discrete, evenly spaced cells. Rouleaux formation is associated with an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and tends to diminish as protein levels normalize or with appropriate treatment.

Other uses. Beyond medicine and cuisine, the term appears in general language to describe rolls or roll-like objects, such as a film roll or a roll of coins or banknotes. In broader usage, rouleau can denote any cylindrical unit or rolled form used in various technical or everyday contexts.

In summary, rouleaux centers on rolled shapes or stacked, roll-like arrangements, with medical and culinary senses being the most prominent in English-language discourse.