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endocytosis
noun
en·do·cy·to·sis
ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs
: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
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
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from end- + -cytosis (as in phagocytosis)
First Known Use
1963, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near endocytosis
Cite this Entry
“Endocytosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocytosis. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
endocytosis
noun
en·do·cy·to·sis
ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs
: 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
plural endocytoses
-ˌsēz
: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
More from Merriam-Webster on endocytosis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about endocytosis
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