Edema
[ihd-EE-muh]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: Greek, 15th century
1.
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body
2.
Swelling in plants caused by an excess accumulation of water
Examples of Edema in a sentence
"Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have edema, because it can be a symptom of many diseases."
"The heavy rainfall caused edema in his garden plants."
About Edema
Edema is not always a symptom of disease. If you’re on your feet all day, or you take a long flight, you’re likely to have swelling in your feet and ankles. While edema can occur during these normal activities, it could also be a warning sign, so make sure to see a doctor if it persists.
Did you Know?
Edema, or swelling due to excess fluid accumulation, can be found in both humans and plants. In humans, you’ll often find edema as a result of medications, pregnancy, or certain diseases. Edema isn’t always a sign of something drastically wrong, but it needs to be addressed. In addition to treating the underlying illness, your doctor may recommend medication to remove the excess fluid or a diet low in salt.