What does hydropic mean?
Hydropic is an adjective describing a condition involving abnormal swelling, especially from the accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. The condition was traditionally called dropsy, a term that survives in the related adjective 'dropsical.' Hydropic is encountered in older medical writing, literary texts, and historical descriptions rather than ordinary contemporary usage. In modern clinical contexts, the more usual term is 'edematous,' although 'hydropic' remains useful when discussing historical medicine or a characteristic severe swelling associated with fluid retention. The word's unusual sound and its connection with the once-common diagnosis of dropsy make it especially memorable, while its rarity makes precise context important.
adjectiveRelating to or affected by dropsy, especially abnormal swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body. The term is now chiefly historical or literary.
- Relating to or affected by abnormal swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body.
"The physician described the patient's limbs as hydropic, indicating severe swelling caused by fluid retention."
"The historical report described a hydropic condition involving severe swelling of the abdomen."
"The old medical term 'dropsy' is a recognizable synonym for the condition described as hydropic."
Once called dropsy, hydropic describes the dramatic swelling that can result when fluid accumulates in tissues.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydropic come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek hydōr, meaning 'water', combined with a form meaning 'appearance' or 'face,' ultimately reflected in the Greek word for dropsy. The adjective developed in medical Latin as hydropicus, meaning 'dropsical' or 'affected by swelling from fluid.' Its modern meaning preserves this older association with the historical condition known as dropsy.
Related word forms
How hydropic is actually used
This is a formal, medical, and now largely historical term. In modern clinical writing, 'edematous' is generally preferred.