lymph / limf/ • n. 1. Physiol. a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, that bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. ∎  fluid exuding from a sore or inflamed tissue.2. poetic/lit. pure water.DERIVATIVES: lymph·ous / -fəs/ adj.

lymph A colourless fluid, similar to blood plasma, that consists mainly of salts and proteins in water and suspended fats (whose presence and amount varies according to food intake). It drains from spaces between cells into a network of vessels (the lymphatic system) that convey it to the bloodstream which it enters close to the heart. Lymph nodes, occurring at intervals in the lymphatic system (in humans especially in the neck, armpits, and groin), filter out bacteria and particles of foreign matter and produce lymphocytes (see LEUCOCYTE).

lymph The colourless liquid found within the lymphatic system, into which it drains from the spaces between the cells. Lymph (called tissue fluid in the intercellular spaces) resembles blood plasma, consisting mostly of water with dissolved salts and proteins. Fats are found in suspension and their presence varies with food intake. The lymph eventually enters the bloodstream near the heart.

lymph (limf) n. the fluid present within the vessels of the lymphatic system, which is derived from the fluid that bathes the tissues. Lymph is similar in composition to plasma, but contains less protein and some cells, mainly lymphocytes. l. node one of a number of small swellings found at intervals along the lymphatic system. Groups of nodes occur in the groin and armpit, behind the ear, and in many other parts. They act as filters for the lymph and produce lymphocytes.

lymph The fluid between blood and the tissues in which oxygen and nutrients are transported to the tissues, and waste products back to the blood.

Dietary fat is absorbed into the lacteals (lymphatic vessels of the intestinal villi) as chylomicrons which are formed in the intestinal mucosa, and enters the bloodstream through the thoracic duct. After a fatty meal the lymph is rich in emulsified fat and is called chyle.