Main Entry: mac·ro·phage

Pronunciation: \ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj, -ˌfäzh\

Function: noun

: a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell—see histiocyte, mononuclear phagocyte system

[macrophage illustration]

—mac·ro·phag·ic \ˌmak-rə-ˈfaj-ik\ adjective