ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lymph

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɫɪmf// UK //lˈɪmf// lymph Archaic Literary

n. a clear, pale liquid in your body that helps fight infections and carries waste away from your cells.

n. a colourless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.


SIMPLE

The doctor checked his neck to see if his lymph nodes were swollen.

CONTEXTUAL

The lymphatic system works to circulate lymph throughout the body, playing a vital role in the immune response.

COMPLEX

Unlike the circulatory system, which relies on the heart, the movement of lymph depends on the contraction of skeletal muscles and the action of breathing.

Origin

Borrowing from French lymphe and/or Latin lympha (“clear water”), from Ancient Greek νῠ́μφη (nŭ́mphē, “bride; spring water”). Doublet of nymph.

Usage

Typically used in medical or biological contexts; often appears in the compound 'lymph nodes'.

© 2026 English Reference