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

Hepburn almost died, suffering from jaundice, anemia, rheumatism, and edema. —Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026

In fatal cases, the defining biology is profound endothelial dysfunction, capillary leak, pulmonary edema, inflammatory-thrombotic activation, and shock. —Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Early signs of edema include leaves that appear swollen and feel soft. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026

The Diabetes Vision Risk Families Should Know About Wayans is now partnering with biotech company Genentech’s All Eyes on DME initiative to raise awareness of diabetic macular edema, a complication that can rob diabetes patients of their sight. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

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