phagocytosis

phago·cy·to·sis

noun \ˌfag-ə-sə-ˈtō-səs, -sī-\

plural phago·cy·to·ses \-ˌsēz\

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

Illustration of PHAGOCYTOSIS