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 phagocytosis (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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Examples of phagocytosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition, Yang also found gene-expression changes in microglia, which clean up waste and eat dead cells in a process called phagocytosis. — Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, "COVID Can Cause Forgetfulness, Psychosis, Mania or a Stutter," 21 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phagocytosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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phagodynamometer

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Cite this Entry

“Phagocytosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phagocytosis. Accessed 10 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for phagocytosis

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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