Phagocytosis
/ˌfæɡəʊsɪˈtəʊsɪs/noun
The process by which a cell engulfs large particles or other cells.
Did you know?Phagocytosis is like a cellular ritual, where immune cells consume and neutralize threats, almost like a sacrificial offering to maintain health.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φαγείν
“to eat”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κύτος
“cell, hollow vessel”
19th Century
German
Phagocytose
“to eat cells, a term coined in the context of cellular biology”
20th Century
English
phagocytosis
“the action of a cell engulfing particles, established as a scientific term in immunology.”
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