'anasarca' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'anasarca', where 'ana-' meant 'throughout' and 'sarx' (Greek) meant 'flesh'.

'anasarca' changed from the Greek word 'anasarkos' (meaning 'fleshy' or 'full of flesh') and eventually became the modern English word 'anasarca' through New Latin medical terminology.

Initially, it meant 'full of flesh' or 'fleshy', but over time it evolved into its current medical meaning of 'generalized swelling due to fluid accumulation'.