endocytosis

American  

[en-doh-sahy-toh-sis] / ˌɛn doʊ saɪˈtoʊ sɪs /

noun

Physiology.

1. the transport of solid matter or liquid into a cell by means of a coated vacuole or vesicle (distinguished from exocytosis).

---

endocytosis British  

/ ˌɛndəʊsaɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. the process by which a living cell takes up molecules bound to its surface

---

Other Word Forms

• endocytic adjective
• endocytotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of endocytosis

1960–65; endo- + -cyte + -osis, perhaps on the model of phagocytosis

Compare meaning

How does endocytosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endocytosis vs. exocytosis

Example Sentences

"Our findings indicate that the molecular mechanism of ultrafast endocytosis is conserved between mice and human brain tissues," Watanabe says.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2025

The researchers also documented how the cells retrieved and recycled vesicles afterward, a process known as endocytosis.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2025

The team observed some puzzling results: the cell didn't simply take-up FERONIA-LLG1 into the cell, a process known as endocytosis and a typical response; every cell membrane molecule the team tested was affected.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2024

There are different variations of endocytosis, but all share a common characteristic: The plasma membrane of the cell invaginates, forming a pocket around the target particle.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Some human diseases, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, are caused by the failure of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022