Definition of "pinocytosis" []

• Introduction of fluids into a cell by invagination of the cell membrane, followed by formation of vesicles within the cells. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The primary types of specialized transport mechanisms are: facilitated diffusion; active transport; and endocytosis (phagocytosis and pinocytosis)."
• "The two main forms of endocytosis are phagocytosis and pinocytosis."
• "The same is true for pinocytosis (the "drinking" of organic substances) and the release of wastes that are contained in contractile vacuoles."