microphage

[ mahy-kruh-feyj ]

noun

, Immunology.

1. a small phagocytic cell in blood or lymph, especially a polymorphonuclear leukocyte.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microphage¹

First recorded in 1885–90; micro- + -phage

Example Sentences

"We found that the M1 phenotype, anti-tumor microphage, seem to have trouble finding their targets, almost like their GPS wasn't working. But the M0 phenotype seemed to have a really good map."

From Science Daily

A movie clip created by a fellow Barres postdoc, Axel Nimmerjahn, recorded through a sheer window in a mouse’s skull, hinted that microglia—which play the role of microphages in the brain—were responsible.

From Science Magazine

They carry not only instructions about eye color, height, nose shape, enzyme production, microphage resistance, but a story, too.

From Literature