lymph node

noun

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of lymph node

: any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along the lymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node

See lymph node defined for English-language learners

See lymph node defined for kids

Recent Examples of lymph node from the Web

One of the most common forms of lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells, B cell lymphoma is generally found in the lymph nodes or spleen.

— sandra g. boodman, Washington Post, "Doctors told this 20-year-old his back pain wasn’t serious. Then he couldn’t walk.," 6 Mar. 2018
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils (the two small lymph nodes that hang down at the back of the throat) become inflamed, the Mayo Clinic explains.

— claire gillespie, SELF, "Gabourey Sidibe Is Getting Her Tonsils Out—Here's What That's Like as an Adult," 18 Jan. 2018
After one year in Jordan, Qassem’s mother developed cancer of the lymph nodes.

— taylor luck, The Christian Science Monitor, "For Yemenis, Arab world's refugees-come-lately, Jordan offers little relief," 29 Mar. 2018
For example, the findings appear to explain why cancer tumors that invade this layer of tissue can spread to the lymph nodes.

— rachael rettner, Scientific American, "Meet Your Interstitium, A Newfound “Organ”," 27 Mar. 2018
When the little girl was 4, her aunt Meredith, who raised her from age 2 with the help of her grandmother Donna, noticed Kaylee's lymph nodes seemed enlarged.

— laura ungar, The Courier-Journal, "A serious liver ailment is stalking Kentucky's children. But they aren't getting care," 22 Mar. 2018
Common symptoms are fever, sore throat, ear pain, tender lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty breathing through the nose and daytime sleepiness.

— Philly.com, "Teens and their tonsils: When do they need to be out?," 1 Mar. 2018
In the mice that recapitulate MS, testosterone influences the behavior of mast cells in the lymph nodes, central nervous system, and lining of the brain.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "Testosterone may protect men from autoimmune diseases," 2 Feb. 2018
After the cancer was removed from her leg, Redberg's mother was urged by a doctor to undergo an additional surgery to cut away more tissue and nearby lymph nodes, which can harbor cancerous cells.

— liz szabo, chicagotribune.com, "Never too late to operate? Surgery near end of life is common, costly," 13 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of lymph node

1892

LYMPH NODE Defined for English Language Learners

lymph node

noun

Definition of lymph node for English Language Learners

medical : any one of many rounded masses of tissue in the body through which lymph passes to be filtered and cleaned

LYMPH NODE Defined for Kids

lymph node

noun

Definition of lymph node for Students

: one of the small rounded bits of tissue in the body through which lymph passes to be filtered

Medical Dictionary

lymph node

noun

medical Definition of lymph node

Learn More about lymph node

See words that rhyme with lymph node Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lymph node

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up lymph node? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

lymph node

Definition of lymph node

Recent Examples of lymph node from the Web

First Known Use of lymph node

LYMPH NODE Defined for English Language Learners

lymph node

Definition of lymph node for English Language Learners

LYMPH NODE Defined for Kids

lymph node

Definition of lymph node for Students

Medical Dictionary

lymph node

medical Definition of lymph node

Learn More about lymph node

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Add Diction

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

lymph node

Definition of lymph node

Recent Examples of lymph node from the Web

First Known Use of lymph node

LYMPH NODE Defined for English Language Learners

lymph node

Definition of lymph node for English Language Learners

LYMPH NODE Defined for Kids

lymph node

Definition of lymph node for Students

Medical Dictionary

lymph node

medical Definition of lymph node

Learn More about lymph node

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes