phagocyte

American  

[fag-uh-sahyt] / ˈfæg əˌsaɪt /

noun

Cell Biology.

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

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phagocyte British  

/ ˈfæɡəˌsaɪt, ˌfæɡəˈsɪtɪk /

noun

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

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phagocyte Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonphagocytic
  adjective
• phagocytic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of phagocyte

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

Example Sentences

Phagocyte, fag′o-sīt, n. a white or colourless blood-corpuscle—also called leucocyte—an active amœboid cell, which engulfs both nutritive and harmful particles.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Hour by hour the fight goes on, Till the silent battle's won; Vainly do Bacilli shirk When their deadly foe's at work; Every microbe faints with fright At the fearsome Phagocyte.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, August 30, 1890 by Various

Here are some devouring cells: Ever watchful night and day, They the vile Bacillus slay; Wot we well he fears the bite Of the guardian Phagocyte.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, August 30, 1890 by Various

Should the Phagocyte not keep Faithful ward, but go to sleep; Then Bacillus, in high glee, Works his will on you and me; Danger would be ours to-night, But for that same Phagocyte.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, August 30, 1890 by Various

The Astronomer descries Worlds on worlds beyond our eyes; 'Neath the microscope weird things Erst unseen whirl round in rings; Hence it is that we indite Stanzas to the Phagocyte.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, August 30, 1890 by Various