phagocyte

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 ]