endocytosis

[ en-doh-sahy-toh-sis ]

noun

, Physiology.

1. the transport of solid matter or liquid into a cell by means of a coated vacuole or vesicle ( exocytosis ).

endocytosis

/ ˌɛndəʊsaɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. the process by which a living cell takes up molecules bound to its surface

Other Words From

• en·do·cyt·ic [en-doh-, sit, -ik], en·do·cy·tot·ic [en-doh-sahy-, tot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endocytosis¹

1960–65; endo- + -cyte + -osis, perhaps on the model of phagocytosis