macrophage Phys.
(ˈmækrəʊfeɪdʒ)
[ad. mod.L. macrophagus, f. Gr. µακρό-ς long + ϕαγεῖν to devour.]
A name given to certain large leucocytes, from their supposed power of devouring other organisms, especially pathogenic microbes. Hence macroˈphagic a.
| 1890 Ruffer in Q. Jrnl. Microsc. Sci. Feb. 483 Cells to which he [Metschnikoff] has given the name of macrophages and microphages. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. II. 7 These macrophages can destroy the tubercle bacilli. 1904 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 10 Sept. 562/1 The lymph glands and other macrophagic organs. 1971 Nature 5 Feb. 412/2 A sparse scattering of cells, presumably macrophagic or inflammatory. |