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

See Examples For:

macrophage

By targeting MafB or the biological pathways it regulates, researchers may be able to restore healthy macrophage function and improve tissue health across a range of diseases.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 1, 2026

When T cells were added to the system, either directly or by exposing them to fluid from the macrophage cultures, the T cells began producing large amounts of IFN-gamma.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 27, 2025

"The biggest surprise about this was finding that a macrophage has a synaptic-like property that delivers an ion to a muscle fiber to facilitate its repair after an injury," Jankowski says.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

This runaway inflammation is a hallmark of many diseases, making macrophage regulation a key target for improving recovery and reducing chronic conditions.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2025

The other form of amoeboid cell, which Metschnikoff calls the macrophage, has more feeble phagocytic action towards bacteria, and these are rarely found enclosed within them.

From Disease and Its Causes by Councilman, William Thomas