phagocytosis

American  

[fag-uh-sahy-toh-sis] / ˌfæg ə saɪˈtoʊ sɪs /

noun

1. Physiology. the ingestion of a smaller cell or cell fragment, a microorganism, or foreign particles by means of the local infolding of a cell's membrane and the protrusion of its cytoplasm around the fold until the material has been surrounded and engulfed by closure of the membrane and formation of a vacuole: characteristic of amebas and some types of white blood cells.

---

phagocytosis British  

/ ˌfæɡəsaɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. the process by which a cell, such as a white blood cell, ingests microorganisms, other cells, and foreign particles

---

Etymology

Origin of phagocytosis

First recorded in 1890–95; phagocyte + -osis

---

Compare meaning

How does phagocytosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• phagocytosis vs. pinocytosis

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phagocytosis

They identified key cellular processes involved in this cleanup, including phagocytosis and lysosomal activity.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 17, 2026

While the phenomenon of "frustrated phagocytosis" had already been observed, its role in the pathogenesis of the concerned diseases had not yet been clearly established.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 5, 2024

Figure 13.14 The stages of phagocytosis include the engulfment of a food particle, the digestion of the particle using hydrolytic enzymes contained within a lysosome, and the expulsion of undigested material from the cell.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

Food particles are trapped in mucus produced by the sieve-like collar of the choanocytes and are ingested by phagocytosis.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

Stronger lotions are to be avoided as being likely to depress the tissues, and so interfere with protective phagocytosis.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Alexis Thomson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---