swelling

American  

[swel-ing] / ˈswɛl ɪŋ /

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.

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swelling British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• unswelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of swelling

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

Example Sentences

These findings indicate that the plant does more than reduce swelling.

From Science Daily

Reaves was “continuing to push himself” to return soon, Redick said, and Ayton had some “swelling” in his elbow but had a “brisk, intense individual workout.”

From Los Angeles Times

With attendance over the first four days swelling to more than 200,000 -- a record for the Adelaide Oval which has been hosting Tests since 1884 -- they face a daunting task.

From Barron's

It was only when he penned Since We Divided - a big swelling ballad with piano and emotive vocals about a teenage relationship - that Shay started to gain confidence he could succeed with music.

From BBC

The song’s climax — Estrada’s lustrous voice intertwined with a swelling orchestral arrangement — will probably bring tears to your eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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