First Known Use: 1889
Dictionary
phagocytosis
noun phago·cy·to·sis \ˌfa-gə-sə-ˈtō-səs, -sī-\
plural phago·cy·to·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of PHAGOCYTOSIS
: the engulfing and usually the destruction of particulate matter by phagocytes
— phago·cy·tot·ic \-ˈtä-tik\ adjective
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Origin of PHAGOCYTOSIS
New Latin
Medical Dictionary
phagocytosis
noun phago·cy·to·sis \ˌfag-ə-sə-ˈtō-səs, -sī-\
plural phago·cy·to·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of PHAGOCYTOSIS
: the engulfing and usually the destruction of particulate matter by phagocytes that serves as an important bodily defense mechanism against infection by microorganisms and against occlusion of mucous surfaces or tissues by foreign particles and tissue debris
—phago·cy·tot·ic \-ˈtät-ik\ adjective
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