lymph

1 of 2

noun

ˈlim(p)f 

1

archaic : the sap of plants

2

[New Latin lympha, from Latin, water] : a usually clear coagulable fluid that passes from intercellular spaces of body tissue into the lymphatic vessels, is discharged into the blood by way of the thoracic duct, and resembles blood plasma in containing white blood cells and especially lymphocytes but normally few red blood cells and no platelets

lymph-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or lympho-

: lymph : lymphatic tissue

lymphogranuloma

Examples of lymph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

An outdoor Body Work class with Norma Jean combines breathing exercises with stretching that gets the blood and lymph flowing. —Rona Berg, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

In contrast, larger vaccine molecules are too big to enter the bloodstream and can thus travel straight to the lymph system, which is the body’s immune response command center. —Jaimie Seaton, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024

With radical prostatectomy, the risks also include UTI, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, narrowing of the urethra or bladder neck, or formation of cysts containing lymph, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024

The lymph is a part of your body’s immune system that includes a network of vessels and nodes. —Alexis Benveniste, Allure, 14 June 2023

Dry vigorously with a towel—the gentle abrasion promotes the lymph. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2023

Saltwater can also help enhance the flow of lymph, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024

In stage 3, the tumors have spread to the lymph nodes or a lymph vessel between the original tumor and the nodes. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2023

The infection causes the lymph vessels to become inflamed.6 Lymphangitis may be a sign that the bacteria is spreading into the blood and may develop into sepsis, which can cause life-threatening problems. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 26 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin lympha, water goddess, water, perhaps modification of Greek nymphē nymph — more at nuptial

Combining form

New Latin lympha

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lymph

• angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia
• giant lymph node hyperplasia
• lymph gland
• mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome
• lymph node
• mucocutaneous lymph node disease

Kids Definition

lymph

noun

ˈlim(p)f 

: a usually clear fluid that circulates in lymphatic vessels, bathes the cells of the body, and consists of white blood cells and a liquid portion resembling blood plasma

Medical Definition

lymph

noun

ˈlim(p)f 

: a usually clear coagulable fluid that passes from intercellular spaces of body tissue into the lymphatic vessels, is discharged into the blood by way of the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct, and resembles blood plasma in containing white blood cells and especially lymphocytes but normally few red blood cells and no platelets see chyle compare cerebrospinal fluid