Phagocytize

Pronunciation: /ˈpieɪtʃˈəɡoʊˈsaɪˈtiˈzi/

Phagocytize (verb)

  1. To take in and destroy small harmful particles, such as bacteria, inside a living cell.
  2. To swallow and remove unwanted material by enclosing it within a cell.

Examples

  • The immune cell phagocytizes germs to protect the body.
  • It phagocytizes germs when the infection starts.