reticuloendothelial system

noun

: mononuclear phagocyte system

broadly : the mononuclear phagocyte system plus certain other cells now known to be pinocytic or only weakly phagocytic

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

reticuloendothelial system

noun

: mononuclear phagocyte system

broadly : a system of cells of varying lineage that were originally grouped together because of their supposed phagocytic properties based on their ability to take up the vital dye trypan blue and comprising cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system and cells (as sinusoidal endothelial cells) now known to be pinocytotic or only weakly phagocytic