chylous ascites, an abnormal condition characterized by an accumulation of chyle in the peritoneal cavity. Chylous ascites results from an obstruction in the thoracic duct that may be caused by a tumor or by a destructive lesion, resulting in rupture of a lymph vessel. Also called ascites adiposus, chyliform ascites, chylosus ascites, fatty ascites, milky ascites. See also ascites.
