preeclampsia

noun

pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
: a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances and that may result in eclampsia if untreated
preeclamptic
ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-tik How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
adjective

Examples of preeclampsia 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.
Protein in urine could indicate preeclampsia or renal disease. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Cauthen had preeclampsia, which comes from high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine that indicate kidney damage or other signs of organ damage. — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 15 May 2026 That includes preeclampsia, dangerous organ damage that results from high blood pressure in pregnancy. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 May 2026 Without timely prenatal care, women go without screenings for hypertension, which, left unchecked, can lead to preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition for mom and baby. — Mary C. Mayhew, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preeclampsia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preeclampsia was in 1923

Rhymes for preeclampsia

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Browse Nearby Words

preecho
preeclampsia
preef
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Cite this Entry

“Preeclampsia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preeclampsia. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

preeclampsia

noun
pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
: a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances and that may result in eclampsia if untreated compare eclampsia sense a, toxemia of pregnancy

More from Merriam-Webster on preeclampsia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preeclampsia

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