dropsy

Etymology

From Middle English ydropsy, from Old French idropsie, ydropisie, from Latin hydropisis, from Ancient Greek ὕδρωψ (húdrōps), from ὕδωρ (húdōr, “water”). Doublet of hydropsy, hydrops.

Noun

dropsy (usually uncountable, plural dropsies)

1. (pathology) Swelling, edema, often from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
   • 1911, Joseph Addison, Encyclopædia Britannica:

     The disease under which Addison laboured appears to have been asthma. It became more violent after his retirement from office, and was now accompanied by dropsy.