as·ci·tes \əˈsīd.ēz, aˈ-\noun (pluralascites) Etymology: Middle English aschytes, from Late Latin ascites, from Greek askitēs, from askos wineskin, bladder, belly — more at ascus : the abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity — called also hydroperitoneum; compare edema • as·cit·ic\-ˈsid.ik\adjective