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phagocytotic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌfæɡəʊsɪˈtɒtɪk/

KK: /fægəˈsɪtəˌtɪk/

adjective
Definition

Related to the process by which certain cells engulf and digest particles or other cells.


Example

The phagocytotic cells in the immune system help protect the body from infections.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that some cells have phagocytotic abilities?
Sloth B
Really? I had no idea cells could do that!
Sloth A
Yeah, they actually help in defending the body against infections.
Sloth B
That's fascinating! Nature has some amazing tricks.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ingestive
devouring
absorptive
Antonyms
non-ingestive
excretory
expulsive
Root Explanation

Phagocytotic → It is formed from "phago-" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat) and "cytotic" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell). The word describes a process related to cells that eat or engulf other particles or cells.

Memory Tip

Think of 'eating' ('phago-') cells ('cytotic') to remember that 'phagocytotic' refers to cells that engulf or consume other substances.

Visually Confused Words
nonphagocytic
lymphocytotic
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