Macropinocytosis is a process of endocytosis where cells engulf large amounts of extracellular fluid and solutes by forming large, fluid-filled vesicles. While this term is widely used in scientific literature, there are a few synonyms that can also refer to this phenomenon. Some researchers use the term "cellular drinking" to describe macropinocytosis, as it involves the uptake of large volumes of fluid. Others use the term "bulk-phase endocytosis," which emphasizes the ability of cells to ingest large amounts of extracellular material. Additionally, some researchers refer to this process as "fluid-phase endocytosis," as proteins and other solutes can be taken up along with the fluid.