lymphotropic
|lym-pho-trop-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌlɪmfəˈtroʊpɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌlɪmfəˈtrəʊpɪk/
affinity for lymphatic tissue
Etymology
'lymphotropic' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'lymph' meaning 'water, lymph' and 'tropos' meaning 'turning, affinity for.'
'lymphotropic' was formed in modern scientific English by combining 'lympho-' (relating to lymph) and '-tropic' (having an affinity for), and became the standard term in medical and biological contexts.
Initially, it meant 'having an affinity for lymph,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage, especially in virology and immunology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having an affinity for or affecting lymphatic tissue, especially lymphocytes.
The virus is known to be lymphotropic, targeting lymphocytes in the body.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/30 15:14