exocytosis

noun

exo·​cy·​to·​sis ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce exocytosis (audio)
plural exocytoses ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-ˌsēz How to pronounce exocytosis (audio)
: 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
exocytotic adjective

Examples of exocytosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from exo- + cyt- + -osis

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exocytosis was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near exocytosis

Cite this Entry

“Exocytosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exocytosis. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

exocytosis

noun
exo·​cy·​to·​sis ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce exocytosis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce exocytosis (audio)
plural exocytoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce exocytosis (audio)
: 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
exocytotic adjective

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