Definition

1. Noun:
   • Swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities: A medical condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid in body tissues, leading to swelling.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Edema is a common symptom of heart failure.
  • The patient presented with significant edema in the lower legs.
  • Pulmonary edema is a serious condition requiring immediate attention.

Advanced Usage

• "Pitting edema": A type of edema where pressure applied to the swollen area leaves a persistent indentation.
  • The doctor assessed the severity of the pitting edema by pressing on the patient's ankle.
• "Cerebral edema": Swelling caused by excess fluid in the brain.
  • Cerebral edema is a potentially life-threatening complication of severe head trauma.

Variants and Related Words

• Oedema (noun): The British English spelling of .
  • The spelling 'oedema' is commonly used in medical texts in the UK.
• Edematous (adjective): Characterized by or affected with edema.
  • The edematous tissue was warm and tender to the touch.

Synonyms

• Swelling: The general term for an enlargement of a body part, often due to fluid accumulation.
• Dropsy: An older, less specific term for edema or pathological fluid accumulation.

Related Phrases

• "Peripheral edema": Edema occurring in the limbs, especially the legs and feet.
  • Peripheral edema can be a side effect of certain medications.
• "Lymphedema": A specific type of edema caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system.
  • Lymphedema often occurs after lymph node removal during cancer surgery.

Noun

1. swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities