1. cells that engulf and digest harmful substances, bacteria, or dead tissue in the body
Usage: biology; immunology

Examples

• Phagocytes are essential components of the immune system.
• White blood cells called phagocytes help fight infections.
• The phagocytes quickly surrounded the invading bacteria.
• Macrophages are a type of phagocyte found in tissues.
• Scientists studied how phagocytes respond to different pathogens.
• The patient’s phagocytes were not functioning properly.
• Phagocytes engulf dead cells to keep tissues healthy.