lymph

1 of 2

noun

ˈlim(p)f 

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

Noun

Water aerobics aids in circulation, reduces swelling, assists lymph movement, and helps to make the cardiovascular system more efficient, Sherlock said. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Apr. 2025

Cancers shed not only cells, but also hormones, DNA and little fatty bubbles called vesicles into the blood and lymph. —Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

Lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymph drainage (MLD), is a technique used on the face or whole body to transport stagnant lymph fluid when lymph nodes aren't moving fluid on their own, according to a review published in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy (JMMT). —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025

Without an innate pump, stagnant lymph fluid can lead to swelling and edema; but lymphatic drainage massage facilitates the more efficient passage of fluid from the lymph nodes, to the liver and kidneys, to be excreted from the body as urine. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing lymph

• angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia
• giant lymph node hyperplasia
• lymph gland
• lymph node
• mucocutaneous lymph node disease
• mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome

Rhymes for lymph

• nymph
• endolymph
• haemolymph
• hemolymph

Kids Definition

lymph

noun

ˈlim(p)f 

: 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

ˈlim(p)f 

: 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