macrophage

American  

[mak-ruh-feyj] / ˈmæk rəˌfeɪdʒ /

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.

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macrophage British  

/ ˈmækrəʊˌfeɪdʒ, ˌmækrəʊˈfædʒɪk /

noun

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

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macrophage Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• macrophagic adjective

Etymology

Origin of macrophage

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

Example Sentences

The innate immune system responds within minutes of infection and acts more broadly, deploying cells such as dendritic cells, neutrophils and macrophages that attack perceived threats.

From Science Daily

It is given as a nasal spray and leaves white blood cells in our lungs – called macrophages – on "amber alert" and ready to jump into action no matter what infection tries to get in.

From BBC

Instead of forcing its way into tumors, the therapy enters by targeting macrophages, immune cells that act as guardians for cancer cells.

From Science Daily

When the treatment is injected into a tumor, macrophages already present in the body absorb the drug.

From Science Daily

New research from scientists at the University of Minnesota sheds light on why this happens, showing how certain immune cells called macrophages remain locked in an inflammatory state as the body ages in preclinical models.

From Science Daily