DROPSY Meaning and
Definition
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Dropsy is a noun that refers to a condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid within the tissues or cavities of the body. It is primarily associated with the condition of edema, a condition in which excessive fluid gathers in the body's interstitial spaces, causing swelling and discomfort. Dropsy is a term that has been historically used to describe various forms of edema and related conditions, particularly those that affect the limbs or abdomen.
The term "dropsy" originates from the Middle English word "dropesie," which in turn stems from the Latin term "hydrōpisis," ultimately derived from the Greek words "hudrōps" meaning "water" and "opsō" meaning "face." Dropsy can manifest as peripheral edema, in which the limbs become swollen, puffy, and often painful due to fluid retention. Alternatively, it can also refer to ascites, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity, leading to a bloated abdomen.
Historically, dropsy was used as a general term for conditions involving fluid accumulation, but it is now less commonly used in modern medical practice. Instead, specific terms and diagnoses such as edema, lymphedema, or hydrocephalus are typically employed to describe fluid retention in different parts of the body. Nonetheless, dropsy remains a historical term that highlights the understanding of fluid retention in ancient medical practices.
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Hydrops; an excessive accumulation of clear watery fluid in any of the tissues or cavities of the body; variously called, according to its character and location, edema, anasarca, ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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An unnatural collection of water in any part of the body.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DROPSY
Etymology of DROPSY
The word "dropsy" comes from the Latin term "hydropsis", which was derived from the Greek word "hydropsis". In both Latin and Greek, "hydropsis" translates to "a watery condition" or "edema". The term was originally used to describe a specific medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the body tissues, leading to swelling. Over time, the word was adopted into Old English as "dropsy", and it has been used to refer to the condition and similar forms of edema since.
Idioms with the word DROPSY
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case of the dropsy
The idiom "case of the dropsy" refers to a situation or condition where someone experiences excessive or abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body, typically swelling in the arms, legs, or other body parts, causing discomfort or illness. It can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or circumstance where there is an overwhelming abundance or excess of something.
Similar spelling words for DROPSY
- drowsy,
- drop shot,
- dropseed,
- dropsical,
- troops,
- DRIPS,
- drops,
- droops,
- drop-seed,
- drop,
- drypis.
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