hemolymph: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. While it serves a similar circulatory function, hemolymph is distinct from vertebrate blood. It typically lacks red blood cells and uses different molecules (like hemocyanin) for oxygen transport, and it directly bathes the internal organs in an 'open' circulatory system.

The colour comes from pigments in the plasma, not from oxygen-carrying cells. For example, a green colour can come from biliverdin, a waste product, while a yellow hue may come from carotenoids obtained from their diet.

The term is most accurately applied to arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans) and most molluscs. Some other invertebrate groups have different terms for their circulatory fluids, though 'hemolymph' is sometimes used broadly in comparative physiology.

It is the traditional British English spelling, following the 'haemo-' prefix. However, the simplified 'hemolymph' (with a single 'e') is now widely used internationally in scientific literature, including by many British publications, and is standard in American English.

The circulatory fluid found in invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans, that fulfills functions analogous to blood and lymph in vertebrates.

Hemolymph is usually technical/scientific in register.

Hemolymph: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːmə(ʊ)lɪmf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːmoʊˌlɪmf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.