lymphatic system

noun

: the part of the circulatory system that is concerned especially with scavenging fluids and proteins which have escaped from cells and tissues and returning them to the blood, with the phagocytic removal of cellular debris and foreign material, and with the immune response and that consists especially of lymphoid tissue, lymph, and lymph-transporting vessels

called also lymph system

Examples of lymphatic system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lymphatic system runs alongside blood circulation and picks up fluid and larger particles that veins cannot absorb, moving that waste back toward the bloodstream so the kidneys can filter it or the body can reuse it. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026 Walking on its own does enough to support your lymphatic system. Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026 There is no research to support claims that this walking style offers benefits beyond regular walking for maintaining a healthy lymphatic system. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The lymphatic system also plays an important role in removing waste from bodily fluids and helping the body absorb certain nutrients that are too large for the body to absorb through capillaries. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lymphatic system

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lymphatic system was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Lymphatic system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lymphatic%20system. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

lymphatic system

noun
: the part of the circulatory system that consists of special tissue (as of the lymph nodes and tonsils), lymph, lymph-transporting vessels, and the thymus and spleen and is concerned especially with returning fluids and proteins back to the blood and with destroying material (as bacteria) foreign to the body

called also lymph system

Medical Definition

lymphatic system

noun
variants also lymph system or lymphoid system
: the part of the circulatory system that is concerned especially with collecting fluids and proteins that have escaped from cells and tissues and returning them to the blood, with the phagocytic removal of cellular debris and foreign material, and with immune responses, that overlaps and parallels the system of blood vessels in function and shares some constituents with it, and that consists mainly of the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymphocytes, and bone marrow where stem cells differentiate into precursors of B cells and T cells

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