Main Entry:

ede·ma

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈdē-mə\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

New Latin, from Greek oidēma swelling, from oidein to swell; akin to Armenian aytnu- swell, Old English ātor poison

Date:

15th century

1: an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity —called also dropsy2 a: watery swelling of plant organs or parts b: any of various plant diseases characterized by such swellings

— edem·a·tous \-ˈde-mə-təs\ adjective