What action is indicated by the combining form "phag/o"?

The combining form "phag/o" is derived from the Greek word "phagein," which means "to eat" or "to swallow." This root is commonly used in medical terminology to describe processes or conditions related to eating or the ingestion of substances, particularly in contexts such as pathology (e.g., "phagocytosis," the process by which certain cells engulf and digest particles or pathogens). Understanding this root helps in grasping the underlying meanings of various medical terms where it is used, emphasizing its association with eating or consuming in a biological sense.