How Do You Spell CYTOPHAGOUS?

Pronunciation: [sˌa͡ɪtəfˈaɡəs] (IPA)

Cytophagous is a term used to describe organisms that feed on living cells. The spelling of cytophagous follows the rules of Greek and Latin-based words. The initial letter combination of "cyt" indicates the root word "cyto" which means cell. The pronunciation of cytophagous is /saɪtəʊˈfeɪɡəs/ with stress on the second syllable. The "phagous" part of the word comes from the Greek word "phagein" meaning "to eat". Therefore, cytophagous means "cell-eating" and is spelled accordingly.

CYTOPHAGOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Cytophagous is an adjective used to describe an organism or cell that feeds on or consumes other cells, particularly those of a specific type. The term is derived from the Greek words "cyto," meaning cell, and "phagous," meaning to eat. Therefore, an organism or cell that is cytophagous has the ability to engulf or absorb other cells as a means of obtaining nutrients or energy for its survival.

   In biology, cytophagous organisms often belong to a group of microorganisms known as bacteria. These bacteria possess specialized structures, such as cell surface receptors, that allow them to recognize and attach to their target cells. Once attached, they secrete enzymes or toxins that break down the outer membrane or cell wall of the target cells, enabling them to engulf the cell's components and feed on its contents.

   Cytophagous organisms can have various ecological roles. For example, in the context of the environment, they play important roles in nutrient cycling and decomposition processes by breaking down dead organic matter, such as plant tissues or animal remains. In some cases, cytophagous bacteria can also be pathogenic, causing diseases by invading and damaging host cells.

   Overall, the term cytophagous is used to describe the feeding behavior of certain organisms that actively consume other cells as a source of sustenance, often through a process of engulfment or absorption.

2. Devouring or destructive to cells.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CYTOPHAGOUS

• xytophagous
• vytophagous
• fytophagous
• dytophagous
• cttophagous
• cgtophagous
• chtophagous
• cutophagous
• c7tophagous
• c6tophagous
• cyrophagous
• cyfophagous
• cygophagous
• cyyophagous
• cy6ophagous
• cy5ophagous
• cytiphagous
• cytkphagous
• cytlphagous
• cytpphagous

Etymology of CYTOPHAGOUS

The word "cytophagous" is derived from two Greek roots: "cyto" which means "cell" and "phagous" which means "eating" or "feeding on". Thus, "cytophagous" literally translates to "cell-eating" or "feeding on cells". In biological terms, it refers to organisms or processes that consume or feed on cells.