from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
phagocyte \phag"o*cyte\ (f[a^]g"[-o]*s[imac]t), n. [Gr. fagei^n
to eat + ky`tos a hollow vessel.] (Physiol.)
A leucocyte which plays a part in immunity and retrogressive
processes by taking up (eating), in the form of fine
granules, foreign objects such as bacteria or cellular parts
to be removed. There are two principle subtypes, (1)
{microphages}, polymorphonuclear lymphocytes which
principally digest bacteria; and (2) {macrophages},
mononucleated cells which primarily scavenge dead tissue and
degenerate cells. --Stedman.
[1913 Webster + PJC]