phagocytize

especially British, phag·o·cyt·ise

[fag-uh-sahy-tahyz, -si-tahyz]

verb (used with object)

phagocytized, phagocytizing 

1. (of a phagocyte) to devour (material).

Word History and Origins

Origin of phagocytize¹

First recorded in 1920–25; phagocyte + -ize

Example Sentences

They can be ''activated'' when dysfunction occurs, phagocytize pathological cells or proteins and even produce protective substances.

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