ascites
|ə-ˈsaɪ-tiːz|
/əˈsaɪtiːz/
abdominal fluid accumulation
Etymology
'ascites' originates from Modern Latin, specifically the word 'ascītēs', where the Greek root 'askos' meant 'bag'.
'ascites' changed from Greek ἀσκίτης (askítēs) and passed into Late/New Latin as 'ascītēs', then entered English medical usage (via New Latin) in the 17th century.
Initially it referred to a 'bag-like' condition (from the notion of a bag or sac); over time it came to denote specifically the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, often causing abdominal swelling and discomfort; commonly associated with liver disease, heart failure, malignancy, or infection.
The patient developed ascites as a complication of advanced liver cirrhosis.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/26 18:40