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

Time Traveler
The first known use of reticuloendothelial system was circa 1923

Dictionary Entries Near reticuloendothelial system

Cite this Entry

“Reticuloendothelial system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticuloendothelial%20system. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

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