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endocytosis
noun
en·do·cy·to·sis
ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs
: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
Examples of endocytosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thus, at sufficient doses, the drug halts all cell division, impairs protein assembly, decreases endocytosis and exocytosis, alters cell shape, and reduces cell motility.
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Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023
In a process called endocytosis, the neuron folds back on itself, creating a pocket that entraps the AP2A2.
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Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021
The Organic Method Primer shows microscope photos of this endocytosis process happening.
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Dallas News, 28 Sep. 2020
In addition, the researchers report for the first time that bile acids also stimulate endocytosis in the small intestine.
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Houston Chronicle, 3 Jan. 2020
Once attached, the viral particle gets essentially engulfed by the cell, a process called endocytosis.
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Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 9 Dec. 2017
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from end- + -cytosis (as in phagocytosis)
First Known Use
1963, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near endocytosis
Cite this Entry
“Endocytosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocytosis. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
endocytosis
noun
en·do·cy·to·sis
ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs
: the process by which a cell takes in material by engulfing it with a portion of the cell membrane to form a vesicle that pinches off into the cell's interior
Medical Definition
endocytosis
noun
en·do·cy·to·sis
-sī-ˈtō-səs
plural endocytoses
-ˌsēz
: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
More from Merriam-Webster on endocytosis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about endocytosis
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