noun
also oe·de·ma ə̇ˈdēmə, ēˈ-
( plural edemas -məs ; also edem·a·ta -ˈdeməd.ə, -ˈdēm-, -ətə ; or oedemas or oedemata )
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek oidēma swelling, tumor, from oidein, oidan to swell; akin to Greek oidos swelling, tumor — more at atter
1. : an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue causing puffy swelling or in a serous cavity (as the peritoneal or pleural) causing distention and compression of the contents that is usually associated with defective circulation either primary or secondary to other conditions (as nephritis)
2.
a. : extended swelling of plant organs or parts of organs from an overdevelopment of cells induced by an excess of water combined with unfavorable light and temperature relations
b. : any of various specific diseases of plants (as the tomato) characterized by such swellings — compare intumescence