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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for phagocytosis
The first known use of phagocytosis was in 1889
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