macrophages
noun/ˈmækrəˌfeɪdʒɪz/
Frequency rank: #14,768 most common English word
Meaning
large white blood cells that engulf and digest foreign particles, bacteria, and dead cells as part of the immune response.
Example sentence
During an infection, macrophages surround and destroy harmful bacteria in the body.
Synonyms & related words
- phagocytes
- leukocytes
- immunocytes
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 14,701–14,800
- lackeyA person who does whatever a powerful person tells them; a servile follower.
- laminateto cover or coat something with a thin protective layer, especially of plastic.
- leekA vegetable related to the onion, with a long white stem and flat green leaves.
- linguistA person who studies or is skilled in languages.
- luteA pear-shaped stringed instrument with a long neck, played by plucking.
- meaningfullyin a way that is significant, purposeful, or full of meaning
- meatballa small round ball of minced meat, often served with pasta or in a sauce.
- merinoA breed of sheep known for producing fine, soft wool, or the high-quality wool itself.
- metastasisThe spread of a disease, especially cancer, from its original site to other parts of the body.
- microchipa tiny electronic chip used to store data or power small devices.