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

The systemic phase is marked by fever, periorbital edema, muscle pain, heart inflammation, and brain inflammation. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 23 May 2024

Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, peripheral edema (swelling in feet, ankles, and other areas), fatigue, lightheadedness, and syncope (fainting), according to Vuppuluri. —Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

How to get rid of swollen ankles fast Based on the root cause of symptoms, treatment for edema will always vary from person to person. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024

In 1973: Actor and martial-arts expert Bruce Lee died at age 32 from a cerebral edema in Hong Kong. —The Arizona Republic, 19 July 2024

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

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