noun
edema
ih-DEE-muh
noun
1
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
"Her ankles showed signs of edema after the long flight."
"The doctor prescribed a diuretic to reduce the edema in his legs."
2
A similar water-logged swelling that occurs in plants.
"Overwatering the succulent led to edema, leaving bumpy patches on its leaves."
How to Use Edema
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPuffy swelling from fluid buildup, most often in the legs, feet, or hands.
UK vs US
British English usually spells it "oedema."
Common pairings
pulmonary edema
swelling and edema
edema in the ankles
Word Forms
edemas plural, edemata plural
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Etymology
From Greek oidēma ("swelling"), via New Latin oedema — related to oidein, "to swell."