edema

/ɪˈdimə/

/ˈɛdimə/

Other forms: edemas

The word edema means swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in the tissues of the body. Edema often occurs in the feet, and could make it hard to comfortably fit into your shoes.

First used as a 14th-century medical term, the noun edema is derived from the Greek word oidein meaning "to swell." Edema is a swelling that results from an excess of fluid trapped inside the body's tissue. It can be caused by certain diseases, some medications, sitting or standing in the same position for too long, or consuming a diet high in salt. Pregnant women often experience edema in their feet, ankles, and hands.

Definitions of edema

1. noun

   swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities
   synonyms: dropsy, hydrops, oedema

   types:

   Quincke's edema, angioedema, atrophedema, giant hives, periodic edema

   recurrent large circumscribed areas of subcutaneous edema; onset is sudden and it disappears within 24 hours; seen mainly in young women, often as an allergic reaction to food or drugs

   lymphedema

   swelling (usually in the legs) caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues in the affected areas

   scleredema

   a skin disease marked by hard edema of the tissue usually beginning in the face

   cystoid macular edema

   a specific pattern of swelling in the central retina

   anasarca

   generalized edema with accumulation of serum in subcutaneous connective tissue

   chemosis

   edema of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and eyelid lining

   papilledema

   swelling of the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the eyeball); usually associated with an increase in intraocular pressure

   brain edema, cerebral edema

   swelling of the brain due to the uptake of water in the neuropile and white matter

   type of:

   lump, puffiness, swelling

   an abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement