lymphedema

noun

lymph·​ede·​ma ˌlim(p)-fi-ˈdē-mə 

: edema due to faulty lymphatic drainage

Examples of lymphedema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sutphin, 58, of Cheshire, had painful lymphedema — or swelling — in her arm following reconstructive breast surgery about a year ago. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025

My lymphedema manifested itself in a unique way in that the fluid wasn't just stuck in the arm. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news It’s estimated that 10 million Americans — and many more worldwide — suffer from a condition known as lymphedema — a swelling of various parts of the body caused by fluid blockage in the lymphatic system. —Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024

Another benefit of her weight loss has been its affect on her lymphedema symptoms. —Brianne Tracy, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lymphedema

• papilledema
• plasmalemma
• sarcolemma
• angioedema
• dilemma
• oedema
• emma
• gemma
• lemma

Medical Definition

lymphedema

noun

lymph·​ede·​ma

variants or chiefly British lymphoedema

ˌlim(p)-fi-ˈdē-mə 

: edema due to faulty lymphatic drainage

lymphedematous adjective

or chiefly British lymphoedematous

ˌlim(p)-fi-ˈdem-ət-əs