preeclampsia

American  

[pree-i-klamp-see-uh] / ˌpri ɪˈklæmp si ə /

Or pre-eclampsia

noun

1. Pathology. a form of toxemia of pregnancy, characterized by hypertension, fluid retention, and albuminuria, sometimes progressing to eclampsia.

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Etymology

Origin of preeclampsia

First recorded in 1920–25; pre- + eclampsia

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Compare meaning

How does preeclampsia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• preeclampsia vs. eclampsia
• toxemia vs. preeclampsia

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preeclampsia

She died of complications related to preeclampsia at only 37-years-old.

From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2026

Walker’s conditions were under control until she got pregnant, and preeclampsia is pregnancy-related.

From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2026

After Walker’s death, a medical examiner ruled that she died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease with preeclampsia, the latter of which is a dangerous pregnancy-related high blood pressure condition that doctors had identified in Walker.

From Salon ● Sep. 17, 2026

Doctors are encouraged to consider family history of atherosclerosis, underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and life events like early menopause or pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, when evaluating risk and planning treatment.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 29, 2026

It regularly features interviews with Aliabadi’s famous patients and other celebrity doctors or authors who discuss everything from preeclampsia to egg-freezing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2025

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