1
: an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity
called also dropsy
2
a
: watery swelling of plant organs or parts
b
: any of various plant diseases characterized by such swellings
Examples of edema in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although this will vary from person to person, initial symptoms are typically characterized by hives, swelling or edema and breathing difficulties.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Complications may arise if the strands attach to the lens or cornea, potentially causing cataracts, cloudiness, or corneal edema.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Miley Cyrus revealed that her signature raspy voice is due to Reinke's edema, a vocal cord disorder.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The Yankees were left holding their collective breath when it was discovered Cole was dealing with nerve inflammation and edema in his right elbow injury.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for edema
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Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Complications may arise if the strands attach to the lens or cornea, potentially causing cataracts, cloudiness, or corneal edema.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Miley Cyrus revealed that her signature raspy voice is due to Reinke's edema, a vocal cord disorder.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The Yankees were left holding their collective breath when it was discovered Cole was dealing with nerve inflammation and edema in his right elbow injury.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for edema
Cite this Entry
“Edema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edema. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
edema
noun
ede·ma
i-ˈdē-mə 
: an abnormal collection of watery fluid in a bodily tissue or cavity
Medical Definition
edema
noun
ede·ma
variants
or chiefly British oedema
plural edemas or chiefly British oedemas also edemata
-mət-ə
or chiefly British oedemata
: an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity
called also dropsy
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