Definition

A type of large cell in the immune system that can engulf and digest foreign substances like bacteria and viruses.

Example

Macrophages play a crucial role in the body's defense against infections.

Conversation

I was reading about how our body fights infections, and I came across the term macrophage.

Oh really? What does a macrophage do exactly?

It's a type of immune cell that helps destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.

That's fascinating! The body has such amazing ways to protect itself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Macrophage is formed from "macro-" (from Greek "makros", meaning large) and "phagein" (meaning to eat). The word describes a large cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Memory Tip

Think of 'large' ('macro-') and 'to eat' ('phagein') to remember that a macrophage is a large cell that eats up harmful substances.

Visually Confused Words