phagocyte
[ fag-uh-sahyt ]
/ ˈfæg əˌsaɪt /
noun Cell Biology.
any cell, as a macrophage, that ingests and destroys foreign particles, bacteria, and cell debris.
OTHER WORDS FROM phagocyte
phag·o·cyt·ic [fag-uh-sit-ik] /ˌfæg əˈsɪt ɪk/, adjective non·phag·o·cyt·ic, adjectiveWords nearby phagocyte
phaeton,
phage,
phagedaena,
phagedena,
phago-,
phagocyte,
phagocytic,
phagocytic index,
phagocytic pneumonocyte,
phagocytin,
phagocytize
Example sentences from the Web for phagocytic
British Dictionary definitions for 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), adjectiveMedical definitions for phagocytic (1 of 2)
phagocytic
[ făg′ə-sĭt′ĭk ]
adj.
Of or relating to phagocytes.
Of, relating to, or characterized by phagocytosis.
Medical definitions for phagocytic (2 of 2)
phagocyte
[ făg′ə-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 phagocytic
phagocyte
[ făg′ə-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-tō′sĭs). 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.