'dropsy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hydrops', where 'hydor' meant 'water'.

'dropsy' changed from Medieval Latin 'hydropsia' and the Middle English word 'dropsie' and eventually became the modern English word 'dropsy'.

Initially, it meant 'a disease involving watery swelling (hydrops)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'edema; accumulation of fluid in tissues', and the term is now considered archaic.