lymphatic

American  

[lim-fat-ik] / lɪmˈfæt ɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to, containing, or conveying lymph.

2. (of persons) having the characteristics, as flabbiness or sluggishness, formerly believed to be due to an excess of lymph in the system.

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noun

1. a lymphatic vessel.

lymphatic British  

/ lɪmˈfætɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or containing lymph

   the lymphatic vessels

2. of or relating to the lymphatic system

3. sluggish or lacking vigour

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noun

1. a lymphatic vessel

Other Word Forms

• lymphatically
  adverb
• nonlymphatic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of lymphatic

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin lymphāticus “frenzied, crazy,” literally, “watery,” with the substantial shift in definition perhaps parallel to Greek nymphiân “to be in a frenzy,” from nýmphē “bride, nymph,” poetically, “water” ( see nymph); equivalent to lymph + -atic ( def. )

Explanation

Lymphatic describes things related to the system that helps your body clear out toxins and waste. Your lymphatic system also helps protect you from disease and infection. Lymph is a colorless fluid that contains white blood cells, and lymphatic describes anything connected to this substance. The Latin root is lympha, or "clear water." The lymphatic system moves lymph throughout the body, keeping fluid levels balanced and helping to defend against infection. Lymphatic vessels are the tiny tubes that drain lymph and send it back to the bloodstream. Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign that the lymphatic system isn't working properly.

Example Sentences

This year, attendees can sign up for free massages, red light therapy sessions, lymphatic drainage boots, and—thanks in part to a partnership with LEGO—partake in a series of analog “adult play” installations.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

The study found pro repair signals involving immune modulation, blood vessel and lymphatic development, fibroblast activation, myocardial salvage, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and neurogenesis in rat models.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

Inspired by qigong, a Chinese movement practice, she has been hopping up and down every morning, which she says helps drain her lymphatic system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

"A gentle massage encourages lymphatic drainage and reduces fluid pooling if used regularly," Tina says.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

A century later, in the years after 1653, there was a bitter dispute between Thomas Bartholin and Olof Rudbeck over the discovery of the human lymphatic system.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton