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” ( 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

I love a lymphatic drainage massage too, that’s like one of my favorite treats to myself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

By the time cancer cells are detected circulating in the blood or lymphatic system, the disease has often already begun to spread.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

There is also a vibration plate that, Collins and Gomez say, can help with lymphatic drainage before or after class.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 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