tumesce

[too-mes, tyoo-]

verb (used with or without object)

tumesced, tumescing 

1. to make or become tumescent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumesce¹

First recorded in 1970–75; back formation from tumescent

Example Sentences

As this part of the act continues, it is the most natural thing in the world that the sex organs should tumesce, and that there should be a flow of both prostatic and pre-coital fluids.

From Project Gutenberg