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

• nonlymphatic
  adjective
• lymphatically
  adverb

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

See Examples For:

lymphatic

Jorge Hernandez, director of spa and wellness at Capella Singapore, said the techniques trigger blood flow, support the lymphatic system and calm the nervous system—all helpful in the battle against jet lag.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Dr Xand explains how to drain your lymphatic system.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 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