Dictionary.net

A colour-less blood-corpuscle which tends to take in and destroy foreign particles.

Any cell that destroys micro-organisms or harmful cells.

Syn.: devouring, or wandering, cell, leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, carrier cell. Of Metchnikoff, any ameboid cell regarded as a structure capable of inclosing and digesting solid particles. In the body they act.

In absorbing healthy tissues, as in the metamorphosis of batrachia and the development of bone.

In active degeneration of parts in disease; and .

As a protective mechanism, removing bacteria and minute solid masses that have reached the tissues. [Gr.]