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

Investors seemed more focused on issues like the lingering bubble concerns, interest-rate uncertainty and swelling inventories.

From MarketWatch

Despite receiving treatment from the team's physio at half-time, Lang did not realise the cut on his elbow had been infected until he noticed swelling and increasing pain during a night shift that evening.

From BBC

“Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death,” Davis said.

From Los Angeles Times

Glanville had been struggling for the last few years with a mysterious ailment that caused recurring facial swelling, speech impairment and the loss of teeth, leaving her reluctant to go out in public.

From Los Angeles Times

This triggered a temporary inflammatory response -- pain, redness, heat and swelling -- similar to what occurs after infection or injury.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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