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

However, there was no neurologist on site to confirm whether the mass was a tumor, cyst, edema or clot. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 5 May 2025

His shins are now bandaged — covering up the edema left by bad circulation. —Michael Hanson, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Findings released in 2021 concluded that rapid onset pulmonary edema in snorkelers may be as common, or more so, than the accidental inhalation of water, which typically causes someone to react in distress. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 2 Apr. 2025

Peripheral edema: Leg swelling can cause discomfort, pain, and trouble walking. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 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