exocytosis
noun
exo·cy·to·sis
ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-səs 
plural exocytoses
ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-ˌsēz
: the release of cellular substances (such as secretory products) contained in cell vesicles by fusion of the vesicular membrane with the plasma membrane and subsequent release of the contents to the exterior of the cell
Examples of exocytosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Once packaged, coronaviruses leave their host cell via an export system that's normally used to send material to the cell's surface (a process called exocytosis).
—
John Timmer, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John Timmer, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Exocytosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exocytosis. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exocytosis
noun
exo·cy·to·sis
ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-səs
: the process by which a cell discharges material by enclosing it in a vesicle which fuses with the cell membrane
Medical Definition
exocytosis
noun
exo·cy·to·sis
ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-səs
plural exocytoses
-ˌsēz
: the release of cellular substances (as secretory products) contained in cell vesicles by fusion of the vesicular membrane with the plasma membrane and subsequent release of the contents to the exterior of the cell
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share