phagocytosis

noun

phago·cy·to·sis | \ ˌfa-gə-sə-ˈtō-səs

How to pronounce phagocytosis (audio)

, -sī-\

plural phagocytoses\ ˌfa-gə-sə-ˈtō-ˌsēz

How to pronounce phagocytoses (audio)

, -sī- \

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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The first known use of phagocytosis was in 1889

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phagocytosis

noun

phago·cy·to·sis | \ ˌfag-ə-sə-ˈtō-səs, -sī-

\

plural phagocytoses\ -ˌsēz

\

Medical 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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