endocytosis

noun

en·​do·​cy·​to·​sis ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs 

: incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis

endocytotic

ˌen-də-sī-ˈtä-tik 

adjective

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. —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. —Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021

The Organic Method Primer shows microscope photos of this endocytosis process happening. —Dallas News, 28 Sep. 2020

In addition, the researchers report for the first time that bile acids also stimulate endocytosis in the small intestine. —Houston Chronicle, 3 Jan. 2020

Once attached, the viral particle gets essentially engulfed by the cell, a process called endocytosis. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 9 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from end- + -cytosis (as in phagocytosis)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

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

endocytose

-ˈsī-ˌtōs, -ˌtōz 

transitive verb

endocytosed; endocytosing

endocytotic

-sī-ˈtät-ik 

adjective