anasarca

American  

[an-uh-sahr-kuh] / ˌæn əˈsɑr kə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a pronounced, generalized edema.

---

anasarca British  

/ ˌænəˈsɑːkə /

noun

1. pathol a generalized accumulation of serous fluid within the subcutaneous connective tissue, resulting in oedema

---

Other Word Forms

• anasarcous adjective

Etymology

Origin of anasarca

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin, representing Greek phrase anà sárka literally, throughout the body

Compare meaning

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

• anasarca vs. edema
• anasarca vs. ascites

Example Sentences

In anasarca, an error is sometimes committed, especially by young practitioners, of estimating the degree of danger, and the necessity for active treatment, by the single consideration of the extent of the œdematous swelling.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin

It is also maintained, that when anasarca is idiopathic, there exists a large quantity of serum in the urine; and this is brought forward in order to distinguish these cases from local dropsies.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin

By most writers on dropsy, anasarca has been maintained to originate, in all instances, in debility, and to be curable only by a tonic and invigorating plan.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin

Occasionally, the anasarca and internal dropsies take place nearly simultaneously.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

When hydrothorax occurs after scarlatina, and is combined with anasarca, its course is generally rapid, and the cure difficult; partaking, as it often does, of the two-fold state of debility and excitement.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin