edema

ede·ma

noun \i-ˈdē-mə\

Definition of EDEMA

1

: an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity —called also dropsy

2

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

Origin of EDEMA

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with EDEMA

eczema, Kohima, Kolyma

ede·ma

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ede·masalso ; ede·ma·ta \-mət-ə\

Medical Definition of EDEMA

: an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity—called also dropsy

Variants of EDEMA

ede·ma or chiefly British oe·de·ma \i-ˈdē-mə\ (audio pronunciation)

edema

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Abnormal accumulation of watery fluid in the spaces between connective-tissue cells. Usually a symptom of diseases of the kidneys, heart, veins, or lymphatic system, which affect water balance in the cells, tissues, and blood, edema can be pitting (retaining an imprint when compressed) or nonpitting. Edema may be local (e.g., hives from allergies) or generalized (also called dropsy), sometimes involving body cavities as well as tissues. Treatment must usually focus on the underlying cause.