hemolymph

[ hee-muh-limf, hem-uh- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a fluid in the body cavities and tissues of invertebrates, in arthropods functioning as blood and in some other invertebrates functioning as lymph.

hemolymph

/ hē′mə-lĭmf′ /

1. The circulatory fluid of invertebrates, including all arthropods and most mollusks, that have an open circulatory system. Hemolymph is analogous to blood and lymph in vertebrate animals and is not confined in a system of vessels. Hemolymph consists of water, amino acids, inorganic salts, lipids, and sugars.
2. See more at circulatory system

Other Words From

• he·mo·lym·phat·ic [hee-moh-lim-, fat, -ik, hem-oh-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemolymph¹

First recorded in 1880–85; hemo- + lymph

Example Sentences

As the ants start to attack, the larva tenses its muscles and expels a drop of bright red fluid known as hemolymph.

From Science Magazine

Called hemolymph, the substance is chock-full of carminic acid, a toxic chemical that grants the liquid a bloodlike hue and prompts the ants to abandon their assault.

From Science Magazine

The hemolymph ejected by C. montrouzieri larvae when they’re under attack—a behavior known as reflex bleeding—is usually yellow in color.

From Science Magazine

And the hemolymph, the researchers found, proved to be an effective defense against hungry ants.

From Science Magazine

This membrane acts as a filter between the brain and hemolymph, blocking potentially damaging molecules from reaching the central nervous system.

From Science Magazine