lymph

1 of 2

noun

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
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.
Noun
Anything abnormal in your lymph—whether that’s bacteria, a virus, or something else—is subject to that screening process and immune response, which is why a variety of illnesses can cause swollen lymph nodes. Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024 She was diagnosed with the condition — which causes swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid in the body — after undergoing a double mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2012. Brianne Tracy, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024 This lymph fluid is cleansed and filtered in the 600 or so lymph nodes throughout our system, protecting the body from bacterias, viruses, and waste; lymph is super vital for our general health. Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 30 July 2024 Fo those who develop EEE, the virus travels from the mosquito bite into the lymph system and spreads from there to cause a systemic infection. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lymph 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lymph was circa 1673

Dictionary Entries Near lymph

Cite this Entry

“Lymph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lymph. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lymph

noun
: 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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lymph

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