phagocyte

phagocyte /phago·cyte/ (fag´o-sīt) any cell that ingests microorganisms or other cells and foreign particles, such as a microphage, macrophage, or monocyte.phagocyt´ic

---

phag·o·cyte (fg-st)

n.

A cell, such as a white blood cell, that engulfs and absorbs waste material, harmful microorganisms, or other foreign bodies in the bloodstream and tissues.

---

phagocyte

[fag′əsīt]

Etymology: Gk, phagein + kytos, cell

a cell that is able to surround, engulf, and digest microorganisms and cellular debris. Fixed noncirculating phagocytes include the fixed macrophages and the cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Free circulating phagocytes include the leukocytes. phagocytic, adj.

---

phagocyte [fag´o-sīt]

any cell capable of ingesting particulate matter, usually referring to a microphage, macrophage, or monocyte. They ingest microorganisms and other particulate antigens that are coated with antibody or complement (opsonized), a process mediated by specific cell-surface receptors. Other cell types exhibit phagocytosis, but not specific phagocytosis of opsonized particles.

---

phagocyte (fag´sīt),

n a cell that ingests microorganisms, cells, or other substances.

---

phagocyte

any cell that ingests microorganisms or other cells and foreign particles.