Definition of Effusion
Effusion: Too much fluid, an outpouring of
fluid. A hemorrhagic effusion is
one that has blood within the fluid. A pericardial effusion
is an outpouring
of fluid within the fibrous sac (the pericardium) that
surrounds the heart.
The lungs are covered by two-layered membranes which are
called the pleura.
A pleural effusion involves the presence of an excessive
amount of pleural
fluid (between the two layers of the pleural membranes).
The term "effusion"
comes from the Latin "effusio" meaning a pouring out.
Last Editorial Review: 10/4/1998Common Misspellings: effution
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