oedema - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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oedema

|i-dee-ma|

/ɪˈdiːmə/

swelling from fluid

Etymology

Etymology Information

'oedema' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'oidēma', where 'oidē-' meant 'to swell'.

Historical Evolution

'oedema' came into English via Medieval Latin/Old French forms (Medieval Latin 'oedema' / French 'oedème') and the spelling 'edema' also developed (especially in American English).

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'a swelling', and this core sense has remained; over time it has become a technical medical term for pathological fluid accumulation.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues, causing swelling (commonly called swelling or puffiness).

The patient developed marked oedema in both ankles after surgery.

Synonyms

edema swellingfluid retentiondropsy

Antonyms

dehydration

Noun 2

a pathological collection of fluid in a body cavity or organ (e.g., pulmonary oedema — fluid in the lungs).

Pulmonary oedema is a medical emergency that can cause severe shortness of breath.

Synonyms