[ede.ma] n [NL, fr. Gk oidema swelling, fr. oidein to swell; akin to OE ator poison] (15c) 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 -- edem.a.tous adj