Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Phagocytosis
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Phagocytosis: The process by which a cell engulfs particles such as bacteria, other microorganisms, aged red blood cells, foreign matter, etc. The principal phagocytes include the neutrophils and monocytes (types of white blood cells).
The prefix "phago-" comes from the Greek "phago" meaning "to eat."