hemolymph

noun

he·​mo·​lymph ˈhē-mə-ˌlim(p)f How to pronounce hemolymph (audio)
: the circulatory fluid of various invertebrate animals that is functionally comparable to the blood and lymph of vertebrates

Examples of hemolymph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
High-resolution microscopy revealed that the Florida carpenter ant’s femur has several muscles that impede circulation of hemolymph (the insect version of blood), stopping the bacteria from quickly entering the body. Byhumberto Basilio, science.org, 2 July 2024 The tibia, in contrast, has fewer muscles to stop hemolymph, making blood circulation quicker and allowing bacteria to enter faster. Byhumberto Basilio, science.org, 2 July 2024 Insect hemolymph is not the only type of bodily fluid that demonstrates viscoelastic properties. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 In either case, the ants first cleaned the wound, likely applying secretions from glands in the mouth while also probably sucking out infected and dirty hemolymph. Will Dunham, USA TODAY, 3 July 2024 According to the study, the ant's femur is primarily responsible for leg hemolymph circulation, similar to a human's blood flow, and therefore cutting it off slows the rate of an infection spreading and allows for sufficient time to perform an amputation. Jennifer Vilcarino, ABC News, 3 July 2024 The team went back and observed viscous but not hardened hemolymph oozing from wounds. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 The greenish hemolymph that escaped the wound dripped like water for a few seconds. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 Additionally, someone could be allergic to a ladybug's hemolymph. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 26 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemolymph was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near hemolymph

Cite this Entry

“Hemolymph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemolymph. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hemolymph

noun
he·​mo·​lymph
variants or chiefly British haemolymph
: the circulatory fluid of various invertebrate animals that is functionally comparable to the blood and lymph of vertebrates

More from Merriam-Webster on hemolymph

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!