phagocyte

[ fag-uh-sahyt ]
/ ˈfæg əˌsaɪt /

noun Cell Biology.

any cell, as a macrophage, that ingests and destroys foreign particles, bacteria, and cell debris.

Origin of phagocyte

First recorded in 1880–85; phago- + -cyte

OTHER WORDS FROM phagocyte

phag·o·cyt·ic [fag-uh-sit-ik] /ˌfæg əˈsɪt ɪk/, adjective non·phag·o·cyt·ic, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for non-phagocytic

  • Non-phagocytic leukocytosis is probably due more to stimulation of blood-making organs than to chemotaxis.

    A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis |James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for non-phagocytic

phagocyte
/ (ˈfæɡəˌsaɪt) /

noun

an amoeboid cell or protozoan that engulfs particles, such as food substances or invading microorganisms

Derived forms of phagocyte

phagocytic (ˌfæɡəˈsɪtɪk), adjective

Medical definitions for non-phagocytic

phagocyte
[ făgə-sīt′ ]

n.

A cell, such as a white blood cell, that engulfs and absorbs waste material, harmful microorganisms, or other foreign bodies in the bloodstream and tissues.

Scientific definitions for non-phagocytic

phagocyte
[ făgə-sīt′ ]

Any of various organisms or specialized cells that engulf and ingest other cells or particles. In vertebrate animals, phagocytes are white blood cells that break down bacteria and other microorganisms, foreign particles, and cellular debris. These include monocytes, macrophages, and most granulocytes.♦ The process by which phagocytes engulf and break down bacteria or particles is called phagocytosis (făg′ə-sī-tōsĭs). During phagocytosis the cell encloses foreign material and the extracellular fluid surrounding it by an infolding of a part of the cell membrane, which then pinches off to form a vesicle, called a phagosome. The phagosomes fuse with lysosomes, resulting in digestion of the ingested matter. Unicellular protists such as amoebas ingest food by the process of phagocytosis.