lymphatic

1 of 2

adjective

lym·​phat·​ic lim-ˈfa-tik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or produced by lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes

b

: conveying lymph

2

: lacking physical or mental energy : sluggish

lymphatically

lim-ˈfa-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

lymphatic

2 of 2

noun

: a vessel that contains or conveys lymph

called also lymph vessel

Did you know?

Lymph is a pale liquid in the body that helps maintain fluid balance and removes bacteria from tissues. Today, we understand that lymph plays an important role in the body's immune system. In the past, however, it was commonly believed that an excess of lymph caused sluggishness—hence the "sluggish" meaning of lymphatic. The word lymph comes from Latin lympha (meaning "water" or "water goddess"), which itself may be a modification of the Greek word nymphē, meaning "nymph." Both lymph and its related adjective lymphatic have been used in English since the 17th century.

Examples of lymphatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These are the same sites therapists target during manual lymphatic massage. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

Social media has helped introduce lymphatic drainage techniques and tools to a wider audience, but experts say proper technique still matters. — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Noun

Your lymphatics that control your immune system have no muscle in their walls. — CBS News, 8 Apr. 2020

The different layers have nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics running through them. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lymphatic

• lymphatic system

Rhymes for lymphatic

• asthmatic
• chromatic
• climatic
• dogmatic
• dramatic
• ecstatic
• emphatic
• erratic
• eustatic
• fanatic
• hepatic
• magmatic

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Kids Definition

lymphatic

1 of 2 adjective

lym·​phat·​ic lim-ˈfat-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or produced by lymph

2

: lacking physical or mental energy

lymphatic

2 of 2 noun

: a vessel that contains or transports lymph

called also lymph vessel

Medical Definition

lymphatic

1 of 2 adjective

lym·​phat·​ic lim-ˈfat-ik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or produced by lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes

lymphatic nodules

lymphatic infiltration

b

: conveying lymph

a lymphatic channel

2

: lacking physical or mental energy

lymphatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

lymphatic

2 of 2 noun

: a vessel that contains or conveys lymph, that originates as an interfibrillar or intercellular cleft or space in a tissue or organ, and that if small has no distinct walls or walls composed only of endothelial cells and if large resembles a vein in structure

called also lymphatic vessel, lymph vessel

see thoracic duct