hemolymph

noun

he·​mo·​lymph ˈhē-mə-ˌlim(p)f How to pronounce hemolymph (audio)
: the circulatory fluid of various invertebrate animals that is functionally comparable to the blood and lymph of vertebrates

Examples of hemolymph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Scientists found the protein in the oysters’ hemolymph, a liquid found in invertebrates that’s similar to blood. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025 Crucially, the oyster hemolymph proteins were not toxic to human lung cells. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2025 Additionally, the researchers discovered that the hemolymph proteins improved the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics ampicillin, gentamicin, trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin by two- to 32-fold against clinically important bacteria. New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2025 Antimicrobial proteins from oyster hemolymph improve the efficacy of conventional antibiotics Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025 High-resolution microscopy revealed that the Florida carpenter ant’s femur has several muscles that impede circulation of hemolymph (the insect version of blood), stopping the bacteria from quickly entering the body. Byhumberto Basilio, science.org, 2 July 2024 The tibia, in contrast, has fewer muscles to stop hemolymph, making blood circulation quicker and allowing bacteria to enter faster. Byhumberto Basilio, science.org, 2 July 2024 Insect hemolymph is not the only type of bodily fluid that demonstrates viscoelastic properties. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 In either case, the ants first cleaned the wound, likely applying secretions from glands in the mouth while also probably sucking out infected and dirty hemolymph. Will Dunham, USA TODAY, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemolymph was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near hemolymph

Cite this Entry

“Hemolymph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemolymph. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

hemolymph

noun
he·​mo·​lymph
variants or chiefly British haemolymph
: the circulatory fluid of various invertebrate animals that is functionally comparable to the blood and lymph of vertebrates

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