Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing abdominal swelling and discomfort. Most commonly caused by liver disease, heart failure, or malignancy.
From Greek 'askites' meaning 'baglike,' from 'askos' (bag, wineskin). Ancient physicians compared the swollen abdomen to a wineskin filled with fluid. The term has been used since Hippocratic times, reflecting the ancient recognition of this distinctive clinical finding.
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