endocytosis

noun

en·​do·​cy·​to·​sis ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce endocytosis (audio)
: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
endocytotic adjective

Examples of endocytosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Thus, at sufficient doses, the drug halts all cell division, impairs protein assembly, decreases endocytosis and exocytosis, alters cell shape, and reduces cell motility. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023 In a process called endocytosis, the neuron folds back on itself, creating a pocket that entraps the AP2A2. Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021 The Organic Method Primer shows microscope photos of this endocytosis process happening. Dallas News, 28 Sep. 2020 In addition, the researchers report for the first time that bile acids also stimulate endocytosis in the small intestine. Houston Chronicle, 3 Jan. 2020 Once attached, the viral particle gets essentially engulfed by the cell, a process called endocytosis. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 9 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endocytosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from end- + -cytosis (as in phagocytosis)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endocytosis was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near endocytosis

Cite this Entry

“Endocytosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocytosis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

endocytosis

noun
en·​do·​cy·​to·​sis ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce endocytosis (audio)
: the process by which a cell takes in material by engulfing it with a portion of the cell membrane to form a vesicle that pinches off into the cell's interior

Medical Definition

endocytosis

noun
en·​do·​cy·​to·​sis -sī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce endocytosis (audio)
plural endocytoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce endocytosis (audio)
: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
endocytose transitive verb
endocytosed; endocytosing
endocytotic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on endocytosis

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