swelling

[ swel-ing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that swells.
2. the condition of being or becoming swollen. swollen.
3. a swollen swollen part; a protuberance or prominence.
4. Pathology. an abnormal enlargement or protuberance, as that resulting from edema.

swelling

/ ˈswɛlɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of expansion or inflation
2. the state of being or becoming swollen
3. a swollen or inflated part or area
4. an abnormal enlargement of a bodily structure or part, esp as the result of injury

Other Words From

• un·swelling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swelling¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; swell + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He said the cause was swelling in the brain caused by methanol.

From New York Times

This results in impaired blood flow and blockage of small blood vessels, which causes brain swelling and can develop into cerebral malaria.

From Science Daily

Medications used to treat heart failure include diuretics, which reduce tissue swelling and can be administered orally or intravenously.

From Science Daily

Jamie-Lee Cole from The Wallich said Charmaine's situation was an example of the bottleneck in temporary accommodation where there was a "swelling" of people needing it but with nowhere to move them on to.

From BBC

The “Fuller House” actor said he was diagnosed with the blood cancer in October after contracting an upper respiratory infection that caused major swelling in his lymph nodes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abscess
• blister
• bruise
• bump
• contusion
• inflammation
• injury
• nodule
• sore
• tumor
• welt