phagocytosis
/ˌfæɡəsaɪˈtoʊsɪs/
noun
- The process by which a cell engulfs and digests foreign particles, bacteria, or other small cells, especially as part of the immune response.
- Phagocytosis is a key defense mechanism against invading germs.
- The macrophage uses phagocytosis to consume and destroy pathogens.
- Scientists studied how phagocytosis helps clear dead cells from the body.