phagocytize

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

verb (used with object),phag·o·cyt·ized, phag·o·cyt·iz·ing.
  1. (of a phagocyte) to devour (material).

Origin of phagocytize

1
First recorded in 1920–25; phagocyte + -ize
  • Also especially British, phag·o·cyt·ise .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024