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 Word Forms

• unswelling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swelling¹

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

Example Sentences

Most patients experience a sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and joint swelling within a few days of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

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Far from families and friends, dumped patients join the swelling ranks of the homeless.

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The idea is that, along with resting and icing the affected area, wrapping it in an elastic medical bandage and keeping the injured part propped up above your heart can help reduce swelling and pain.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Detailed scans by the optician showed damage to her optic nerve because of swelling in her brain.

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Meningitis is the swelling of the meninges – the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord – and it is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

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Related Words

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