1. a type of cell that protects the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, or dead or dying cells
Usage: biology; immunology

Examples

• White blood cells called phagocytes help fight infection by consuming bacteria.
• Macrophages are large phagocytes that patrol tissues looking for foreign invaders.
• The phagocyte engulfed the harmful microorganism through a process called phagocytosis.
• Scientists studied how phagocytes recognize and destroy pathogens in the bloodstream.
• When you get a cut, phagocytes rush to the wound site to prevent infection.
• The immune system relies on phagocytes to clean up cellular debris and dead tissue.