what are macrophages derived from
Medical Definition of MACROPHAGE. : a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cellâsee histiocyte, mononuclear phagocyte system. a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell â compare histiocyte. â macÂ·roÂ·phagÂ·ic \Ëma-krÉ-Ëfa-jik\ adjective.