Which term refers to swelling in medical terminology?

The term that refers to swelling in medical terminology is edema. Edema is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues, leading to swelling in specific areas of the body. This condition can occur in various parts of the body, such as the legs, feet, or lungs, and is often a sign of underlying conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or inflammation.

While all options provided are related to bodily reactions or conditions, they refer to different phenomena. Inflammation denotes a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or injury, involving redness, heat, pain, and swelling, but it's a broader concept. Oedema is simply an alternative spelling of edema, often used in British English, indicating the same condition. Effusion refers to the escape of fluid into a body cavity or tissue and may also involve swelling, but it specifically applies to fluid accumulation in a defined space, like joints or pleural cavities, rather than general tissue swelling. The focus on fluid accumulation in edema makes it the most accurate term for describing swelling.