macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈma-krə-ˌfāj 
: 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 (such as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell compare histiocyte
Examples of macrophage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their beta-glucans have been shown to activate key immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells, supporting the body’s frontline defenses.
—
Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026
Because the brain has ordered the macrophages to create an immunosuppressive shield, the T cells lose their energy, stop multiplying and fail to recognize the cancer as a threat.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Primer extension experiments using mouse macrophage RNA indicated a single transcriptional initiation site.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Symptom Relief Zinc can also boost the immune system by increasing the number of T cells and macrophages that fight infection.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
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Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026
Because the brain has ordered the macrophages to create an immunosuppressive shield, the T cells lose their energy, stop multiplying and fail to recognize the cancer as a threat.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Primer extension experiments using mouse macrophage RNA indicated a single transcriptional initiation site.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Symptom Relief Zinc can also boost the immune system by increasing the number of T cells and macrophages that fight infection.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
Cite this Entry
“Macrophage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macrophage. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj
: a large phagocyte of the immune system
Medical Definition
macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj
-ˌfäzh
-ˌfäzh
: 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
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