▪ I. hydrocele Path.
(ˈhaɪdrəʊsiːl)
[a. L. hydrocēlē, a. Gr. ὑδροκήλη, f. ὑδρο- water + κήλη tumour. Cf. F. hydrocèle (Paré, 16th c.).]
A tumour with a collection of serous fluid; spec. a tumour of this kind in the cavity of the tunica vaginalis of the testis; dropsy of the testicle or of the scrotum.
| 1597 A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 21 a/2 The Scrotum commeth to swel, which tumefactione of the Greeks is called Hydrocele. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1658) 307 Called of the Physitians Hydrocele, that is to say, Water-bursten. 1727–41 Chambers Cycl. s.v., Youth is most exposed to the hydrocele. 1878 T. Bryant Pract. Surg. I. 103 When seen in the neck they are described as hydroceles of the neck. |
▪ II. hydrocele
var. hydrocœl(e) (s.v. hydro-).