n, pl  -to*ses   :  the engulfing and usu. the destruction of particulate matter by phagocytes that serves as an important bodily defense mechanism against infection by microorganisms and against occlusion of mucous surfaces or tissues by foreign particles and tissue debris phago*cy*tot*ic adj 
 
   
 
Similar sounding terms:  fu·co·si·do·sis  Va·quez's disease 
 
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