lymph

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noun \ˈlim(p)f\

Definition of lymph

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

See lymph defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of lymph from the Web

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
People who get the bubonic plague may experience fever, chills and weakness as well as painful lymph nodes.

— alexandra sifferlin, Time, "People Are Still Getting the Plague. Here's What You Need to Know", 28 June 2017
It is marked by the sudden appearance of bulbously swollen and painful lymph nodes (called buboes) in the groin or armpits.

— liam stack, New York Times, "Plague Is Found in New Mexico. Again.", 27 June 2017
And the results were virtually identical for patients with lower-risk disease, defined as cancer that had spread to one to three lymph nodes but not completely through the bowel wall.

— laurie mcginley, chicagotribune.com, "Much shorter chemo works for many colon cancer patients, study says", 6 June 2017
Goal is Cure Roche officials welcomed its combo results, saying women with higher-risk tumors, including those that had spread to the lymph nodes or wouldn’t respond to hormone therapy, derived the most benefit.

— naomi kresge, Bloomberg.com, "Roche's Pricey New Breast-Cancer Combo Barely Beats Old Drug", 5 June 2017
And the results were virtually identical for patients with lower-risk disease, defined as cancer that had spread to one to three lymph nodes but not completely through the bowel wall.

— paul sisson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Many colon cancer patients can cut chemo regimen in half, big study finds", 5 June 2017
And the results were virtually identical for patients with lower-risk disease, defined as cancer that had spread to one to three lymph nodes but not completely through the bowel wall.

— laurie mcginley, Washington Post, "Much shorter chemo works for many colon cancer patients, study says", 4 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!

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