'anasarcous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'anasarca,' where 'ana-' meant 'throughout' and 'sarx' meant 'flesh.' The suffix '-ous' forms adjectives meaning 'full of' or 'having the qualities of.'

'anasarca' was adopted into English medical terminology in the 17th century, and the adjective form 'anasarcous' was created to describe conditions relating to or affected by anasarca.

Initially, it meant 'relating to or affected by generalized swelling,' and this meaning has remained consistent in medical usage.