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Definition

adjective

Of or pertaining to the characteristics of a phagocyte, or to phagocytosis.

Supplement

Examples of cells that are phagocytic are certain protists. They acquire food material through phagocytosis. In animals, there are also cells that are phagocytic, such as macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, and granulocytes.

Word origin: Greek, comb. form akin to phageǐn: to eat, devour + (Latin) -cyta, from Greek kutos: hollow vessel.
Related forms: phagocyte (noun), phagocytically (adverb).
Related phrases: phagocytic cell phagocytic activity.
Compare: pinocytotic.
See also: phagocytosis, macrophage.