denoting or relating to a bodily system that consists of all the cells able to ingest bacteria, colloidal particles, etc, with the exception of the leucocytes; it includes the lymphatic system and the spleen
See also macrophage
Word origin
C20: from reticulum + endothelial
reticuloendothelial in American English
(rɪˈtɪkjəloʊˌɛndəˈθiliəl)
adjective
designating or of the system of macrophages found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen, etc., including all the phagocytic cells except the granular leukocytes: they can take up certain dyes, bacteria, etc.