lymphoedema
|lym-pho-e-de-ma|
🇺🇸
/ˌlɪmfəˈdiːmə/
🇬🇧
/ˌlɪmfəˈiːdəmə/
swelling caused by blocked lymph
Etymology
'lymphoedema' originates from modern medical formation combining 'lymph-' and 'oedema'. 'Lymph-' comes from Latin 'lympha' (from Greek 'lymphē') meaning 'clear spring, water (lymph)', and 'oedema' (from Greek 'oidēma') means 'swelling'.
'lymphoedema' was formed in modern medical Latin/English by combining Greek-derived elements: Greek 'lymphē' (rendered in Latin as 'lympha') + Greek 'oidēma' ('swelling'), producing the compound used in medical contexts from the 19th century onward; the English form stabilized as 'lymphoedema' (UK) and 'lymphedema' (US).
Initially based on roots meaning 'water' (lymph) + 'swelling', it has retained the core sense of 'swelling caused by lymph' but has become a specific clinical diagnosis referring to lymphatic-fluid accumulation and its chronic consequences.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a chronic medical condition in which lymphatic fluid accumulates in tissues, causing swelling—most commonly of an arm or leg—due to impaired lymphatic drainage (may be primary/congenital or secondary/acquired).
She developed lymphoedema in her arm after cancer surgery.
Synonyms
Noun 2
abnormal accumulation of protein-rich lymph fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues, often progressive and associated with skin thickening, restricted movement, and increased risk of infection.
Left unmanaged, lymphoedema can lead to skin changes and recurrent infections such as cellulitis.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/23 22:33