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intumescence

[in-too-mes-uh ns, -tyoo-]
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noun
  1. a swelling up, as with congestion.
  2. the state of being swollen.
  3. a swollen mass.
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Origin of intumescence

From French, dating back to 1650–60; see origin at intumesce, -ence
Related formsin·tu·mes·cent, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

distendedarrogantpompousstuffyturgidintumescent
British Dictionary definitions for intumescent

intumescence

intumescency

noun
  1. pathol a swelling up, as with blood or other fluid
  2. pathol a swollen organ or part
  3. chem the swelling of certain substances on heating, often accompanied by the escape of water vapour
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Derived Formsintumescent, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for intumescent

adj.

1796, from Latin intumescentem (nominative intumescens), present participle of intumescere "to swell up," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + tumescere (see tumescence).

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intumescence

n.

1650s, from French intumescence, from Latin intumescere (see intumescent).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
intumescent in Medicine

intumescence

(ĭn′tōō-mĕs′əns)
n.
  1. The act or process of swelling or the condition of being swollen.
  2. A swollen organ or body part.
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Related formsin′tu•mes′cent adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.