: macrophage
especially : a nonmotile macrophage of extravascular tissues and especially connective tissue

Word History

Etymology

Greek histion web (diminutive of histos) + International Scientific Vocabulary -cyte

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of histiocyte was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Histiocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histiocyte. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

histiocyte

noun
: macrophage
especially : a nonmotile macrophage of extravascular tissues and especially connective tissue
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