lymphatic system

American  

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology. the system by which lymph is returned from the cells to the blood and by which white blood cells are produced in response to inflammation or presence of antigens; in mammals, the system includes the lymph glands, vessels and sinuses through which lymph is carried, and lymphoid tissues, as bone marrow and the thymus.

---

lymphatic system British  

noun

1. an extensive network of capillary vessels that transports the interstitial fluid of the body as lymph to the venous blood circulation

---

lymphatic system Scientific  

/ lĭm-făt′ĭk /

1. A network of vessels, tissues, and organs in vertebrate animals that helps the body regulate fluid balance and fight infection. The vessels of the lymphatic system drain excess fluid, called lymph, from the tissues and return it to the circulating blood. Lymphocytes circulate throughout the lymphatic system.

---

lymphatic system Cultural  

1. The network of small vessels and tissue spaces that move lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic system has several functions, including filtering out harmful bacteria; manufacturing white blood cells (white blood cells are produced by the lymph nodes); distributing nutrients to the cells of the body; helping to maintain the body's fluid balance by draining off excess fluids so that tissues do not swell; and assisting in the digestion of fats.

---

Etymology

Origin of lymphatic system

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lymphatic system

In March 2023, Sir Sam revealed he had been undergoing chemotherapy for a year after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

There were demonstrations of a countertop mill for grinding wheat into homemade flour and a vibrating platform that purports to drain the lymphatic system.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Fluid is released from the lower body via veins and the lymphatic system, and those two channels rely on muscles contracting — squeezing — to help move fluid up against gravity.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2025

The concern here is that underwire puts pressure on the lymphatic system, reducing lymph flow and promoting cancer growth.

From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2024

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