Word of the Day

: May 28, 2021

lymphatic

adjective lim-FAT-ik

What It Means

1 a : of, relating to, or produced by lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes

b : conveying lymph

2 : lacking physical or mental energy : sluggish

lymphatic in Context

"Apple cider vinegar is known to boost the immune system, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms." — The Kane County Chronicle (Geneva, Illinois), 21 Apr. 2021

"Wrench had a wretched lymphatic wife who made a mummy of herself indoors in a large shawl…." — George Eliot, Middlemarch, 1871

Did You Know?

Lymph is a pale liquid in the body that helps maintain fluid balance and removes bacteria from tissues. Today, we understand that lymph plays an important role in the body's immune system. In the past, however, it was commonly believed that an excess of lymph caused sluggishness—hence the "sluggish" meaning of lymphatic. The word lymph comes from Latin lympha (meaning "water" or "water goddess"), which itself may be a modification of the Greek word nymphē, meaning "nymph." Both lymph and its related adjective lymphatic have been used in English since the 17th century.