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phagocyte
(fa´go-sīt)
any cell capable of ingesting particulate matter, usually referring to a microphage, macrophage, or monocyte. They ingest microorganisms and other particulate antigens that are coated with antibody or complement (opsonized), a process mediated by specific cell-surface receptors. Other cell types exhibit phagocytosis, but not specific phagocytosis
of opsonized particles. adj., phagocyt´ic.

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