ascites

[ uh-sahy-teez ]

/ əˈsaɪ tiz /

noun Pathology.

accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity; dropsy of the peritoneum.

Nearby words

asci, ascidian, ascidium, ascigerous, ascii, ascites, asclepiadaceous, asclepiadean, asclepiades, asclepias, asclepius

Origin of ascites

1350–1400; Middle English aschites < Medieval Latin < Greek askítēs (hýdrōps) abdominal (dropsy), equivalent to ask(ós) belly + -itēs -ite¹

Related forms

as·cit·ic

[uh-sit-ik] /əˈsɪt ɪk/, as·cit·i·cal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ascites

Ascites and general anasarca were considerable, giving the body a large appearance.
An Investigation into the Nature of Black Phthisis|Archibald Makellar
Ascites may be present, but is not a necessary result of disease of the glands.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
Ascites and anasarca, the consequence of very intemperate living.
An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses|William Withering
This view is confirmed if ascites has appeared and increased out of proportion to the general dropsy.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

The form of ascites that most resists diuretics is that which originates in cirrhosis.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

British Dictionary definitions for ascites

ascites

/ (əˈsaɪtiːz) /

noun plural ascites

accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Derived Forms

ascitic (əˈsɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for ascites

C14: from Latin: a kind of dropsy, from Greek askitēs, from askos wineskin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for ascites

ascites

[ ə-sī′tēz ]

n. pl. ascites

The accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.hydroperitoneum

Related forms

as•cit′ic (-sĭt′ĭk) adj.