lymphatic

1 of 2

adjective

lym·​phat·​ic lim-ˈfa-tik How to pronounce lymphatic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes
b
: conveying lymph
2
: lacking physical or mental energy : sluggish
lymphatically adverb

lymphatic

2 of 2

noun

: a vessel that contains or conveys lymph

called also lymph vessel

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.

Examples of lymphatic 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.
Adjective
Studies show that their interventions (including lymphatic drainage, low-back massage, shoulder and full-body massage) can enhance health and well-being. Dennis Ledenkof, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The Benefits of Dry Brushing As well as stimulating lymphatic drainage, which helps in detoxifying the body, dry brushing is supposed to be great for removing dead skin cells to smooth skin, boosting blood circulation and reducing puffiness and water retention. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
In a patient who does not have volume loss in the undereye area, hyaluronic acid fillers can cause an inflammatory reaction, migrate, and cause blockage of the lymphatics, which may lead to on and off swelling, explains Dr. Parsa, noting that that swelling can last for up to 10 years. Taryn Brooke, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024 At-home lymphatic, gua sha, and LED light massages have also been beneficial in keeping cellulite and loose skin at bay. Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for lymphatic 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lymphatic was in 1649

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Dictionary Entries Near lymphatic

Cite this Entry

“Lymphatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lymphatic. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lymphatic

1 of 2 adjective
lym·​phat·​ic lim-ˈfat-ik How to pronounce lymphatic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or produced by lymph
2
: lacking physical or mental energy

lymphatic

2 of 2 noun
: a vessel that contains or transports lymph

called also lymph vessel

Medical Definition

lymphatic

1 of 2 adjective
lym·​phat·​ic lim-ˈfat-ik How to pronounce lymphatic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes
lymphatic nodules
lymphatic infiltration
b
: conveying lymph
a lymphatic channel
2
: lacking physical or mental energy
lymphatically adverb

lymphatic

2 of 2 noun
: a vessel that contains or conveys lymph, that originates as an interfibrillar or intercellular cleft or space in a tissue or organ, and that if small has no distinct walls or walls composed only of endothelial cells and if large resembles a vein in structure

called also lymphatic vessel, lymph vessel

see thoracic duct

More from Merriam-Webster on lymphatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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