phagocyte

[ fag-uh-sahyt ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. any cell, as a macrophage, that ingests and destroys foreign particles, bacteria, and cell debris.

phagocyte

/ ˈfæɡəˌsaɪt; ˌfæɡəˈsɪtɪk /

noun

1. an amoeboid cell or protozoan that engulfs particles, such as food substances or invading microorganisms

phagocyte

/ făg′ə-sīt′ /

1. Any of various organisms or specialized cells that engulf and ingest other cells or particles. In vertebrate animals, phagocytes are white blood cells that break down bacteria and other microorganisms, foreign particles, and cellular debris. These include monocytes, macrophages, and most granulocytes.
2. ◆ The process by which phagocytes engulf and break down bacteria or particles is called phagocytosis (făg′ə-sī-tō|||PRIMARY_STRESS|||sĭs). During phagocytosis the cell encloses foreign material and the extracellular fluid surrounding it by an infolding of a part of the cell membrane, which then pinches off to form a vesicle, called a phagosome . The phagosomes fuse with lysosomes, resulting in digestion of the ingested matter. Unicellular protists such as amoebas ingest food by the process of phagocytosis.

Derived Forms

• phagocytic, adjective

Other Words From

• phag·o·cyt·ic [fag-, uh, -, sit, -ik], adjective
• nonphag·o·cytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phagocyte¹

First recorded in 1880–85; phago- + -cyte

Example Sentences

Not only does Mab have "an unusually thick and impermeable cell envelope" that repels antibiotics, it also has the ability to hide inside phagocytes, immune cells whose job it is to engulf and kill microorganisms.

From Science Daily

Normally, when an invading pathogen encounters a phagocyte -- a type of white blood cell responsible for destroying bacteria, viruses and other types of foreign particles -- it is caught and ingested by the phagocyte.

From Science Daily

In the spleen, most of the infected cells detected were frontline immune cells -- macrophages and monocytes -- known as phagocytes whose job is to swallow up invading organisms.

From Science Daily

The specific phagocyte T. gondii likes to attack is called a dendritic cell.

From Salon

Beyond that there are specialized cells looking for anything that is not you in order to kill intruders, while other cells called phagocytes gobble up invaders.

From Scientific American