Exudative: meaning, definitions and examples

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exudative

 

[ ɛksˈjuːdeɪtɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical terminology

Exudative refers to the process of exudation, which is the escape of fluid, cells, or cellular debris from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. It is often used to describe fluid accumulation in diseases or conditions, particularly in relation to inflammation or injury.

Synonyms

leaky, oozing, secreting

Examples of usage

  • The exudative phase of inflammation typically involves increased blood vessel permeability.
  • Patients with exudative pleural effusion may experience difficulty breathing.
  • Exudative retinal diseases can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Etymology

The term 'exudative' originates from the Latin word 'exudare', which means 'to sweat out'. This etymology reflects the character of the condition it describes, wherein substances 'sweat out' or seep from the vascular system into surrounding tissues. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from', while 'hudare' correlates with 'to sweat'. The word gained prominence in the 19th century as medical science advanced and the understanding of bodily fluids and tissue responses in inflammatory processes became more developed. With the advent of modern pathology, 'exudative' started appearing in various medical literature to characterize conditions associated with fluid accumulation, particularly in the context of diseases affecting the lungs, skin, and other organs.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,225 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.