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).

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endocytosis British  

/ ˌɛndəʊsaɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

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

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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

Once Migrions reach a new cell, they enter through endocytosis without relying on specific cell surface receptors.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

"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

If uptake of a compound is dependent on receptor-mediated endocytosis and the process is ineffective, the material will not be removed from the tissue fluids or blood.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Plant and animal viruses can enter their cells through endocytosis, in which the cell membrane surrounds and engulfs the entire virus.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013