phagocytosis

noun

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phago·cy·to·sis | \ ˌfa-gə-sə-ˈtō-səs

, -sī- \

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

, -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, 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.