Definition

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues. The medical equivalent of your body retaining water like a paranoid prepper hoarding supplies.

Example Usage

The cardiologist noted bilateral lower extremity edema, which is fancy talk for 'your ankles have disappeared into puffy oblivion.'

Origin

From Greek 'oidema,' meaning 'swelling'

Fun Fact

Pitting edema leaves a temporary dent when you press it, allowing doctors to literally poke your swelling and call it diagnostic assessment.

Source: General medical terminology

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