edema

noun

ede·​ma i-ˈdē-mə How to pronounce edema (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After checking in at an urgent care clinic, the twenty-something was diagnosed with a condition called pulmonary edema, a buildup of excess fluid in the lungs. Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 Strain showed signs of pulmonary edema and pleural effusions, which happens when too much fluid builds up in the lungs and chest cavity. Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 18 June 2024 One study identified how chronic fluid retention or edema, lymphatic obstruction and even discoloration were linked to under-eye filler. Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 According to the autopsy findings, Strain showed signs of pulmonary edema and pleural effusions, which happens when too much fluid builds up in the lungs and chest cavity. Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 27 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for edema 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of edema was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near edema

Cite this Entry

“Edema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edema. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

edema

noun
ede·​ma i-ˈdē-mə How to pronounce edema (audio)
: an abnormal collection of watery fluid in a bodily tissue or cavity

Medical Definition

edema

noun
ede·​ma
variants or chiefly British oedema
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

More from Merriam-Webster on edema

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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