dropsy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropsy" is correct and usable in written English, though it is considered somewhat archaic.
It can be used in medical contexts to refer to an accumulation of fluid in the body, often associated with heart or kidney issues. Example: "The patient was diagnosed with dropsy, which explained the swelling in his legs and abdomen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Digitalis was first prescribed by English physician and botanist William Withering (1741 99), who used it in the treatment of edema (dropsy).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief conditions mentioned are fever (takman), cough, consumption, diarrhea, dropsy, abscesses, seizures, tumours, and skin diseases (including leprosy).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain illnesses, such as dropsy, leprosy, and rheumatism, were said to be caused by Tlaloc and his fellow deities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The old paradise of the rain god Tlaloc, depicted in the Teotihuacán frescoes, opened its gardens to those who died by drowning, lightning, or as a result of leprosy, dropsy, gout, or lung diseases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) had been used in folk medicine for centuries, Withering drew upon 156 of his own cases to objectively demonstrate its efficacy in treating dropsy, the edematous bodily swelling that typically accompanied heart failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Above all, his chronic bronchitis and "dropsy" (edema), a swelling of his legs and feet, caused great discomfort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Instead of building on that, England's dropsies continued.

The Guardian - Sport

Getting this aching-jointed "swoll'n parcel of dropsies" to his feet requires major engineering.

The New York Times

They are also the works that brought to life one of the great comic figures in theatrical history, the bloated Falstaff, "that trunk of humors, that bolting-hutch of beastliness, that swollen parcel of dropsies, that huge bombard of sack, that stuffed cloak-bag of guts, that roasted Manningtree ox with the pudding in his belly".

The New York Times

We had gone head to head during lunchbreak in the playground: his collection against mine; a death-match series of Flicksies, Dropsies, and the killer, only for the truly skilled, Topsies.

The Guardian - Books

He conceded the winning goal against Argentina and was replaced for France's final group game by Dominique Dropsy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If the term is unclear to modern readers, clarify the meaning with a parenthetical explanation like "dropsy (edema)".

Common error

Avoid assuming "dropsy" is a disease itself. It's a symptom of underlying conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. Always investigate and address the root cause.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dropsy" functions primarily as a medical term to describe the condition of edema or fluid accumulation in the body. As Ludwig AI explains, it is often associated with underlying health issues such as heart failure or kidney problems. Examples from Ludwig show its use in both historical and modern contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dropsy", while grammatically correct and usable, is considered somewhat archaic in modern medical contexts, where ""edema"" is preferred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the accumulation of fluid in the body, often linked to heart or kidney issues. Historically, "dropsy" was a common diagnosis, but today it is more frequently encountered in discussions of medical history or literature. Usage contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, range from news articles and encyclopedic entries to literary works. When employing the term "dropsy", it is essential to consider your audience and clarify its meaning if necessary, ensuring clear communication. Recognizing that "dropsy" is a symptom, not a disease, is crucial for accurate understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

edema

A medical term for swelling caused by fluid accumulation, often used interchangeably with "dropsy".

hydrops

Synonymous with "dropsy", indicating abnormal fluid accumulation.

fluid retention

A more general term for the abnormal buildup of fluid in the body.

fluid overload

Refers to an excessive amount of fluid in the body, leading to "dropsy".

water retention

Similar to fluid retention, emphasizing the body's inability to eliminate water.

swelling

A common symptom of "dropsy", referring to the enlargement of body parts due to fluid accumulation.

generalized edema

Edema that affects the whole body, not just a specific area.

ascites

Specific to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

effusion

The escape of fluid into a body cavity.

anasarca

Severe generalized edema with widespread subcutaneous tissue swelling.

FAQs

What is the modern medical term for "dropsy"?

The modern medical term for "dropsy" is "edema", which refers to the swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the body's tissues.

How is "dropsy" treated?

Treatment for "dropsy" focuses on addressing the underlying medical condition causing the fluid retention. This may include medications like diuretics to remove excess fluid, dietary changes, and management of conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.

What causes "dropsy"?

"Dropsy", or edema, can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and malnutrition. It occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate fluid balance.

Is "dropsy" contagious?

"Dropsy" itself is not contagious. It is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, not an infectious disease.