edematous
|e-de-ma-tous|
🇺🇸
/əˈdiːmətəs/
🇬🇧
/iːˈdiːmətəs/
swollen with fluid
Etymology
'edematous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'oedematosus', where the Greek root 'oidēma' (oedema) meant 'swelling'.
'edematous' changed from New Latin 'oedematosus' (and related Medieval/Modern Latin forms) into English as 'edematous' (also spelled 'oedematous' in British English).
Initially it meant 'characterized by swelling', and over time it retained this sense as 'having swelling due to fluid accumulation', which is the modern medical usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
affected by or characterized by edema; abnormally swollen due to accumulation of fluid in tissues.
The patient's lower legs were visibly edematous after the long flight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/21 08:01