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phagocytize

American  
[fag-uh-sahy-tahyz, -si-tahyz] / ˈfæg əˌsaɪ taɪz, -sɪˌtaɪz /
especially British, phagocytise

verb (used with object)

phagocytized, phagocytizing
  1. (of a phagocyte) to devour (material).


Etymology

Origin of phagocytize

First recorded in 1920–25; phagocyte + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Science Daily • Sep. 25, 2023

They can move to the site of an infection and phagocytize the pathogen.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Other host cells will join to phagocytize the foreign cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Neutrophils phagocytize pathogens invading the body and release chemical histamines that cause pathogen destruction and removal from the body.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Like little Pac-men, their job is to patrol body tissues for unwanted matter, such as invading bacterial cells, phagocytize them, and digest them.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013