macrophage

[ mak-ruh-feyj ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a large white blood cell, occurring principally in connective tissue and in the bloodstream, that ingests foreign particles and infectious microorganisms by phagocytosis.

macrophage

/ ˈmækrəʊˌfeɪdʒ; ˌmækrəʊˈfædʒɪk /

noun

1. any large phagocytic cell occurring in the blood, lymph, and connective tissue of vertebrates See also histiocyte

macrophage

/ măk′rə-fāj′ /

1. Any of various large white blood cells that play an essential immunologic role in vertebrates and some lower organisms by eliminating cellular debris and particulate antigens, including bacteria, through phagocytosis. Macrophages develop from circulating monocytes that migrate from the blood into tissues throughout the body, especially the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and connective tissue. Macrophages also participate in the immune response by producing and responding to inflammatory cytokines.

Derived Forms

• macrophagic, adjective

Other Words From

• mac·ro·phag·ic [mak-r, uh, -, faj, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrophage¹

From the New Latin word macrophagus, dating back to 1885–90. See macro-, -phage

Example Sentences

However, PTH induction is also associated with the differentiation of macrophages into osteoclasts, which are specialized cells responsible for bone resorption.

From Science Daily

She was struck by her observation that macrophages, amoebalike cells in the immune system, had the most vaults of any human cells.

From Science Magazine

At the front line of the human immune response are cells called macrophages, which are responsible for correctly identifying intruders and then directing how the entire immune system responds.

From Science Daily

Using genetic editing, the scientists showed that ETS2 was essential for almost all inflammatory functions in macrophages, including several that directly contribute to tissue damage in IBD.

From Science Daily

One part of the immune system that is highly implicated in IBD are white blood cells called macrophages.

From BBC