lymph

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noun \ ˈlim(p)f \

Definition of lymph

1 archaic :the sap of plants

[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

See lymph defined for English-language learners

See lymph defined for kids

Recent Examples of lymph from the Web

Doctors had found a spot on his lung, which then spread to his lymph nodes.

— ted jackson, NOLA.com, "Sugarlands - The Untold Story," 20 Aug. 2017
But a regular screening on March 10 led to a biopsy being done, which revealed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.

— michael kelly, The Seattle Times, "Rockies RHP Bettis returns after cancer treatment," 14 Aug. 2017
Bettis underwent surgery in November for his cancer, and was forced to undergo chemotherapy in March after the cancer spread to his lymph nodes.

— khadrice rollins, SI.com, "Rockies Pitcher Chad Bettis Making First MLB Start Since Cancer Treatment Monday," 13 Aug. 2017
All showed signs typical of a lethal anthrax infection, such as bleeding and swollen lymph nodes, but in other cases, the only evidence is genetic, meaning that the animals may have carried B. cereus but died of something else, Gillespie notes.

— kai kupferschmidt, Science | AAAS, "Anthrax’s cousin wreaks havoc in the rainforest," 2 Aug. 2017
In the year after the kidney transplant, Emily was diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma, had her lymph nodes removed from her neck as well as her adenoids, and started chemotherapy.

— andy kopsa, Cosmopolitan, "What It's Like to Raise a Child With a Terminal Illness in America," 1 Aug. 2017
Four started the trial with melanoma that had already spread to their lymph nodes (stage IIIB/C).

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Custom cancer vaccines safely fight and kill tumors in early human trials," 6 July 2017
The prions also sweep through lymph nodes and the spleen.

— carl zimmer, The Seattle Times, "Setting fire to spare deer from death," 30 June 2017
In addition to species that cause common skin infections such as roundworm and athlete’s foot, other strains cause internal infections that can lead to painful mouth lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and even death.

— ryan cross, Science | AAAS, "How scientists are combatting deadly fungus—with baker’s yeast," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lymph.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lymph

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1673

See Words from the same year

lymph-

combining form

variants: or lympho-

Definition of lymph-

:lymph :lymphatic tissue

lymphogranuloma

Origin and Etymology of lymph-

New Latin lympha

LYMPH Defined for English Language Learners

lymph

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noun

Definition of lymph for English Language Learners

medical : a pale fluid that contains white blood cells and that passes through channels in the body and helps to keep bodily tissues healthy

LYMPH Defined for Kids

lymph

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noun \ ˈlimf \

Definition of lymph for Students

:a clear liquid like blood without the red blood cells that nourishes the tissues and carries off wastes

Medical Dictionary

lymph

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noun \ ˈlim(p)f \

medical Definition of lymph

: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