anasarca

American  

[an-uh-sahr-kuh] / ˌæn əˈsɑr kə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a pronounced, generalized edema.

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anasarca British  

/ ˌænəˈsɑːkə /

noun

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

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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

It is also said in support of this opinion, that where anasarca is idiopathic, it is attended with fever, but that this latter does not exist, when the disease follows ascites.

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

There is increasing dyspnea, increasing anasarca, and the patient usually succumbs to edema of the lungs, drowned in his own secretions.

From Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: with Chapters on Blood Pressure, 3rd Edition. by Warfield, Louis Marshall

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

This view of the pathology of anasarca, although leading in many instances to a successful practice, was, however, vague and often unsatisfactory.

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

In general, the practice of administering drastic purgatives is more serviceable in hydrothorax, and especially in anasarca, or in idiopathic serous inflammation of the peritoneum.

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