Noun: spleen spleen
- A large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses
"The patient's enlarged spleen was causing discomfort"
- A tendency to become easily angered or irritated
"His spleen was evident in his harsh criticism";
- irascibility, short temper, quick temper, short fuse
Derived forms: spleens
Type of: bad temper, ill temper, lymphatic tissue, lymphoid tissue
Part of: lymphatic system, systema lymphaticum
Encyclopedia: Spleen