Accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ascites \As*ci"tes\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ? (sc. ? disease), fr. ? bladder, belly.] (Med.) A collection of serous fluid in the cavity of the abdomen; dropsy of the peritoneum. --Dunglison.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (context medicine English) An accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, frequently symptomatic of liver disease.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
late 14c., "abdominal dropsy," from Latin ascites , from Greek askites (hydrops) , literally "baglike dropsy," from askos "bag, sac."

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Ascites (from Greek askites , "baglike") is a gastroenterological term for an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity that exceeds 25 mL. Although most commonly due to cirrhosis , severe liver disease or metastatic cancer , its presence can be a ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity