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

If left untreated, HACE can induce a coma within 12 to 24 hours. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a serious condition that can develop on its own or with AMS and HACE. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025

Along with varicose veins and edema, CVI is one of the most common health conditions that causes midlife women to wear compression socks. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2025

This causes capillary leakage, resulting in pulmonary edema (fluid retention in the lungs) and leukocyte (white blood cell) recruitment into the alveoli (lung air sacs) which compromises respiratory function. —Steve Brozak, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

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

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