macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈma-krə-ˌfāj 
: a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (such as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell compare histiocyte
Examples of macrophage in a Sentence
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Alveolar macrophages are an important part of the immune system, activating other immune defense cells to protect the body from inhaled invaders.
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
Those interactions release another neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on the macrophages, inhibiting them from producing and releasing cytokines, thus putting the brakes on the inflammatory response.
—Sangeeta S. Chavan, IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2025
Researchers hypothesize that white blood cells called macrophages—which normally engulf and destroy invading pathogens—aren't able to finish the job.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
The carbon-containing alveolar macrophages in COPD patients’ lungs were also larger than macrophages without visible carbon, the study found.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
Those interactions release another neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on the macrophages, inhibiting them from producing and releasing cytokines, thus putting the brakes on the inflammatory response.
—Sangeeta S. Chavan, IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2025
Researchers hypothesize that white blood cells called macrophages—which normally engulf and destroy invading pathogens—aren't able to finish the job.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
The carbon-containing alveolar macrophages in COPD patients’ lungs were also larger than macrophages without visible carbon, the study found.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
Cite this Entry
“Macrophage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macrophage. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj
: a large phagocyte of the immune system
Medical Definition
macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj
-ˌfäzh
-ˌfäzh
: a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell see histiocyte, mononuclear phagocyte system
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