'dropsical' originates from English formation based on the noun 'dropsy', ultimately from Greek 'hydrops' (ὕδρωψ), where 'hydro-' meant 'water'.

'dropsical' developed from the noun 'dropsy' (Middle English 'dropsy', from Late Latin/Greek 'hydrops' via Old English), with the adjectival suffix '-ical' added in later English.

Initially it meant 'relating to dropsy, a watery swelling', and over time it has kept this sense as 'relating to or affected by edema (fluid retention)'.