lymph node

American  

noun

1. any of the glandlike masses of tissue in the lymphatic vessels containing cells that become lymphocytes.

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lymph node British  

noun

1. any of numerous bean-shaped masses of tissue, situated along the course of lymphatic vessels, that help to protect against infection by killing bacteria and neutralizing toxins and are the source of lymphocytes

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lymph node Scientific  

1. A bean-shaped mass of tissue found at intervals along the vessels of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes filter foreign substances from the blood.

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Etymology

Origin of lymph node

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

“I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal cord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph node cancer. I’m four for four and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it five for five.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

After a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer, Vitale underwent surgery in the summer of 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"And I'm like, 'oh, this lymph node is a little bit bigger'. And a couple of weeks later, it's still bigger."

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2025

"By adding different antibodies to the artificial lymph node, we have the ability to control what the T-cells are being activated to search for," says Livingston.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2024

That is, if somebody didn't crack up, or get lymph node swellings that wouldn't reduce, and if you didn't have to try to play nursemaid.

From The Planet Strappers by Gallun, Raymond Z.