What does oedema mean?
Oedema is the medical term for swelling caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid within body tissues. It can affect almost any part of the body, though the feet, ankles, and legs are especially common sites. The word appears in combinations such as peripheral oedema, pulmonary oedema, and cerebral oedema, which identify the area involved. In general use, swelling is more natural and accessible, while oedema is appropriate in medical contexts and formal writing. British and American English differ mainly in spelling: oedema is the traditional British form, and edema is the standard American form. Oedema may result from many conditions, including injury, inflammation, heart or kidney problems, and certain medications, so its presence can signal a need for medical assessment. The word’s Greek origin, from a term associated with swelling, reflects its long-established place in medical vocabulary.
nounOedema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues, causing swelling. It most commonly occurs in the feet, legs, or ankles, but can affect other parts of the body.
- Abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues, producing swelling.
"Her ankles were swollen with oedema after the long flight."
"The doctor diagnosed peripheral oedema caused by fluid retention."
"Pulmonary oedema can cause severe breathlessness and requires urgent medical attention."
The plural is oedemas, though the term is often used attributively, as in cases of oedema.
"The patient developed recurrent oedemas in both lower legs."
The word oedema comes from a Greek root meaning swelling, a fitting origin for a condition defined by the swelling of tissues.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oedema come from?
The word comes from Greek oedema, meaning swelling, and is associated with the Greek verb oidein, meaning to swell. It entered English through medical usage, with the British spelling oedema becoming established alongside the American variant edema. The related adjective oedematous describes tissue affected by swelling, while lymphedema names a particular form of fluid accumulation involving impaired lymphatic drainage.
Related word forms
How oedema is actually used
Oedema is primarily a medical term and is less common in everyday speech than swelling. The spelling oedema is standard in British English, although edema is also widely understood; edema is standard in American English. The word is often used with a body region, as in pulmonary, cerebral, or peripheral oedema.
Easily confused with oedema
Oedema and edema refer to the same condition; oedema is the traditional British spelling, while edema is the standard spelling in American English.