pinocytosis

[ pin-uh-sahy-toh-sis, pahy-nuh- ]
/ ˌpɪn ə saɪˈtoʊ sɪs, ˌpaɪ nə- /

noun Physiology.

the transport of fluid into a cell by means of local infoldings by the cell membrane so that a tiny vesicle or sac forms around each droplet, which is then taken into the interior of the cytoplasm.

Origin of pinocytosis

1931; < Greek pín(ein) to drink + -o- + -cyte + -osis, on the model of phagocytosis

OTHER WORDS FROM pinocytosis

pin·o·cy·tot·ic [pin-uh-sahy-tot-ik, pahy-nuh-] /ˌpɪn ə saɪˈtɒt ɪk, ˌpaɪ nə-/, adjective

Medical definitions for pinocytosis

pinocytosis
[ pĭn′ə-sĭ-tōsĭs, -sī-, pī′nə- ]

n.

Introduction of fluids into a cell by invagination of the cell membrane, followed by formation of vesicles within the cells.

Other words from pinocytosis

pin′o•cy•totic (-tŏtĭk) adj.