hydrocele

noun

hy·​dro·​cele ˈhī-drə-ˌsēl How to pronounce hydrocele (audio)
: an accumulation of serous fluid in a saclike cavity (such as the scrotum)

Examples of hydrocele in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hydrocele itself typically isn't painful, but guys may feel pain from having a heavy, swollen scrotum, according to the Mayo Clinic. Elizabeth Millard, Men's Health, 31 Mar. 2023 Many men with a hydrocele worry about fertility, but this is not usually affected. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Feb. 2022 Though most infected people show no symptoms, some can go on to develop lymphedema (tissue swelling), elephantiasis (skin and tissue thickening), and such scrotal swelling, called hydrocele. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 18 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek hydrokēlē, from hydr- + kēlē tumor — more at -cele

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrocele was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near hydrocele

Cite this Entry

“Hydrocele.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocele. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hydrocele

noun
hy·​dro·​cele ˈhī-drə-ˌsēl How to pronounce hydrocele (audio)
: an accumulation of serous fluid in a sacculated cavity (as the scrotum)

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrocele

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!