macrophage

/ˈmækɹɔʊː.feɪd͡ʒ/

MÆKɹƆƱː · feɪd͡ʒ (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A white blood cell that phagocytizes necrotic cell debris and foreign material, including viruses, bacteria, and tattoo ink. It presents foreign antigens on MHC II to lymphocytes. Part of the innate immune system.

Etymology

From macro- + -phage, both from Ancient Greek.