edema

noun

ede·​ma i-ˈdē-mə 

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

Examples of edema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These medications are used to manage edema and affect blood calcium levels. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 May 2025

Although this will vary from person to person, initial symptoms are typically characterized by hives, swelling or edema and breathing difficulties. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 July 2025

Complications may arise if the strands attach to the lens or cornea, potentially causing cataracts, cloudiness, or corneal edema. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

Miley Cyrus revealed that her signature raspy voice is due to Reinke's edema, a vocal cord disorder. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for edema

• extrema
• ulema
• cima
• pima
• prima
• rima
• schema
• sema
• sima
• thema
• emphysema
• empyema

Kids Definition

edema

noun

ede·​ma i-ˈdē-mə 

: an abnormal collection of watery fluid in a bodily tissue or cavity

Medical Definition

edema

noun

ede·​ma

variants or chiefly British oedema

i-ˈdē-mə 

plural edemas or chiefly British oedemas also edemata

-mət-ə

or chiefly British oedemata

: an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity

called also dropsy