Phagocyte
/ˈfæɡəsaɪt/noun
A type of cell that engulfs and digests foreign particles and microorganisms.
Did you know?Phagocytes are part of the body's innate immune system, acting like mystical guardians that consume invaders, much like ancient deities devouring their foes.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φαγείν (phagein)
“to eat”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κύτος (kytos)
“cell or hollow vessel”
19th Century
English
phagocyte
“a cell that engulfs and consumes other cells or particles”
Modern English
English
phagocyte
“the term is now widely used in immunology to describe immune cells that ingest harmful entities.”
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