PHAGOCYTE

phagocyte, scavenger cell

(noun) a cell that engulfs and digests debris and invading microorganisms

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology 1

Noun

phagocyte (plural phagocytes)

(cytology) A cell of the immune system, such as a neutrophil, macrophage or dendritic cell, that engulfs and destroys viruses, bacteria and waste materials, or in the case of mature dendritic cells; displays antigens from invading pathogens to cells of the lymphoid lineage.

Etymology 2

Verb

phagocyte (third-person singular simple present phagocytes, present participle phagocyting, simple past and past participle phagocyted)

(transitive) To phagocytize.

Source: Wiktionary

Phag"o*cyte, n. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol.)

Definition: A leucocyte which plays a part in retrogressive processes by taking up (eating), in the form of fine granules, the parts to be removed.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition