Definition

A process by which cells take in fluids and dissolved substances by folding in their membrane to form small pockets or vesicles.

Example

During pinocytosis, the cell absorbs nutrients from its surroundings by engulfing liquid.

Conversation

Have you heard about pinocytosis in biology class?

Yeah, it’s that process where cells take in fluids, right?

Exactly! I find it fascinating how cells can absorb nutrients that way.

It really is interesting — nature has so many cool mechanisms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pinocytosis → It is formed from "pino-" (from Greek "pinein", meaning to drink) and "cytosis" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell). The word describes the process by which a cell engulfs liquid, essentially 'drinking' it in.

Memory Tip

Think of a cell 'drinking' ('pino-') liquid, which is what pinocytosis means.

Visually Confused Words