lymph

noun \ ˈlim(p)f \

|Updated on: 26 May 2018

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 discovered his cancer had returned, this time in his lymph system.

— nancy kruh, PEOPLE.com, "Jackie Lee Reveals He's Just Fought Testicular Cancer Twice: Watch the Emotional Video Inspired by His Experience," 21 May 2018
Burkitt lymphoma is a type cancer that affects the lymph system, which is part of the immune system.

— molly horan, SELF, "Abby Lee Miller Posts a Selfie From Her Hospital Bed After Cancer Diagnosis," 23 Apr. 2018
And studies have found endometrial lesions in such distant sites as the lung and the brain, suggesting the blood or lymph system may serve as a transporter.

— marie mccullough, Philly.com, "Frustrated endometriosis patients fuel surge in activism while seeking answers," 12 Apr. 2018
Researchers also believe that the interstitium drains into the lymphatic system and acts as a source of lymph, a fluid that moves through the lymphatic system and removes bacteria from tissues.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Scientists May Have Identified a New Human Organ," 28 Mar. 2018
Interstitial fluid is the source of lymph, which dispatches white blood cells, the body's immune system infection fighters, to wherever they're needed.

— NBC News, "Interstitium: Scientists say they've discovered a new human organ," 28 Mar. 2018
But an average jade roller may not be able to get into the nooks and crannies of your lymph nodes the same way an expert facialist’s fingers might.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How Jade Rolling Will Help With Your Puffy Face," 20 Mar. 2018
That’s why he was scheduled for a lymph-node biopsy.

— lisa sanders, m.d., New York Times, "The Patient Was a Veterinarian. Could His Illness Be Related to Animals?," 14 Dec. 2017
Lymphedema involves occasional dramatic swelling as the lymph fluid builds up with nowhere to go; for Linda, this happens in her left arm and hand.

— NBC News, "How Changing Your Lifestyle Changes the People Around You," 27 Oct. 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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

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

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