phagocytosis

[ fag-uh-sahy-toh-sis ]

noun

1. Physiology. the ingestion of a smaller cell or cell fragment, a microorganism, or foreign particles by means of the local infolding of a cell's membrane and the protrusion of its cytoplasm around the fold until the material has been surrounded and engulfed by closure of the membrane and formation of a vacuole: characteristic of amebas and some types of white blood cells.

phagocytosis

/ ˌfæɡəsaɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. the process by which a cell, such as a white blood cell, ingests microorganisms, other cells, and foreign particles

Word History and Origins

Origin of phagocytosis¹

First recorded in 1890–95; phagocyte + -osis

Example Sentences

They appear to be more or less specific, a separate opsonin being necessary for phagocytosis of each species of bacteria.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the names phagocyte, or devouring cell, given to the enveloping white globule, and phagocytosis to the process.

From Project Gutenberg

There are two conditions, under normal circumstances, in which phagocytosis plays a marked part.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, he observed a very active phagocytosis in refractory animals and the reverse in sensitive ones.

From Project Gutenberg

In autumn 1883 he read his first paper on phagocytosis to a congress of physicians and naturalists at Odessa.

From Project Gutenberg