ascites

American  

[uh-sahy-teez] / əˈsaɪ tiz /

noun

Pathology.

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

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ascites British  

/ əˈsɪtɪk, əˈsaɪtiːz /

noun

1. accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity

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Other Word Forms

• ascitic
  adjective
• ascitical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ascites

1350–1400; Middle English aschites < Medieval Latin < Greek askítēs ( hýdrōps ) abdominal (dropsy), equivalent to ask ( ós ) belly + -itēs -ite ¹

Compare meaning

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

• anasarca vs. ascites

Example Sentences

Ascites and general anasarca were considerable, giving the body a large appearance.

From An Investigation into the Nature of Black Phthisis or Ulceration Induced by Carbonaceous Accumulation in the Lungs of Coal Miners by Makellar, Archibald

An Ascites emptied by it, but filled again very speedily, though its use was never discontinued, and who afterwards found no salutary effects from it.

From An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases by Withering, William

Ascites caused by an Ovarian Tumor.—The tumor must be removed.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Ascites and hydrothorax may follow, but not necessarily any considerable oedema of the peripheral parts of the body.

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

Ascites and anasarca, but not much otherwise diseased, and well enough to walk about the house, and see after her family affairs.

From An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases by Withering, William