macrophage

[ mak-ruh-feyj ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a large white blood cell, occurring principally in connective tissue and in the bloodstream, that ingests foreign particles and infectious microorganisms by phagocytosis.

macrophage

/ ˈmækrəʊˌfeɪdʒ; ˌmækrəʊˈfædʒɪk /

noun

1. See histiocyte
   any large phagocytic cell occurring in the blood, lymph, and connective tissue of vertebrates See also histiocyte

macrophage

/ măk′rə-fāj′ /

1. Any of various large white blood cells that play an essential immunologic role in vertebrates and some lower organisms by eliminating cellular debris and particulate antigens, including bacteria, through phagocytosis. Macrophages develop from circulating monocytes that migrate from the blood into tissues throughout the body, especially the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and connective tissue. Macrophages also participate in the immune response by producing and responding to inflammatory cytokines.

Derived Forms

• macrophagic, adjective

Other Words From

• mac·ro·phag·ic [mak-r, uh, -, faj, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrophage¹

From the New Latin word macrophagus, dating back to 1885–90. See macro-, -phage

Example Sentences

The lymph nodes are home to an array of immune cells, including macrophages.

From Science News

Macrophages are bigger, curly-shaped cells that respond to the neutrophil alarms.

From Science News For Students

Macrophages are massive brutes that literally eat their enemies and spit out the remaining chunks while alerting other forces of an invasion.

From Singularity Hub 

They found that mature fat cells and fat tissue macrophages, a type of immune cell, were cellular targets for the virus.

From Popular-Science

Macrophages activate T-cells to sic them on the agents of disease.

From Nautilus