WordValeedema
swelling caused by fluid trapped in tissues
In more detail
1. (noun) an abnormal buildup of fluid in body tissues that causes swelling
Examples
- 1. The patient's ankles showed signs of edema after the long flight.
How to use edema
Edema is a medical term used to describe localized or generalized swelling caused by excess fluid retention in tissues. It is commonly seen in clinical and medical contexts and is more precise than the general term 'swelling.' The term is neutral in register and factual in usage, often paired with anatomical locations (peripheral edema, cerebral edema) or clinical descriptions.
Common phrases
- peripheral edema
- pulmonary edema
- cerebral edema
- reduce edema
- edema in the legs
- edema of the ankles
Synonyms
swelling · fluid accumulation · dropsy · congestion
Word family
edematous (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse edema with simple swelling, not realizing that edema specifically refers to fluid accumulation rather than swelling from inflammation, trauma, or other causes.
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