: an accumulation of serous fluid in a saclike cavity (such as the scrotum)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebMany 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
Medical Definition
hydrocele
noun
hy·dro·cele ˈhī-drə-ˌsēl
: an accumulation of serous fluid in a sacculated cavity (as the scrotum)