1. Membrane-bound vesicles formed within cells that contain ingested particles, bacteria, or other material; the product of phagocytosis.
Usage: biology; cell biology; plural form of phagosome

Examples

• White blood cells form phagosomes to digest invading bacteria.
• The phagosomes merge with lysosomes to break down their contents.
• Scientists observed phagosomes under the electron microscope.
• Macrophages create phagosomes to eliminate pathogens from the body.
• The formation of phagosomes is a key step in the immune response.