swelling

[ swel-ing ]
/ ˈswɛl ɪŋ /

noun

the act of a person or thing that swells.
the condition of being or becoming swollen.
a swollen part; a protuberance or prominence.
Pathology. an abnormal enlargement or protuberance, as that resulting from edema.

Origin of swelling

before 900; Middle English, Old English; see swell, -ing1

OTHER WORDS FROM swelling

un·swell·ing, adjective

Definition for swelling (2 of 2)

Origin of swell

before 900; Middle English swellen (v.), Old English swellan; cognate with Dutch zwellen, German schwellen, Old Norse svella; akin to Gothic ufswalleins pride

OTHER WORDS FROM swell

re·swell, verb, re·swelled, re·swelled or re·swol·len, re·swell·ing. un·der·swell, verb (used without object), un·der·swelled, un·der·swelled or un·der·swol·len, un·der·swell·ing. un·der·swell, noun un·swelled, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for swelling

British Dictionary definitions for swelling (1 of 2)

swelling
/ (ˈswɛlɪŋ) /

noun

the act of expansion or inflation
the state of being or becoming swollen
a swollen or inflated part or area
an abnormal enlargement of a bodily structure or part, esp as the result of injury

Other words from swelling

Related adjective: tumescent

British Dictionary definitions for swelling (2 of 2)

swell
/ (swɛl) /

verb swells, swelling, swelled, swollen or swelled

noun

adjective

informal stylish or grand
slang excellent; first-class

Word Origin for swell

Old English swellan; related to Old Norse svella, Old Frisian swella, German schwellen

Medical definitions for swelling

swelling
[ swĕlĭng ]

n.

Something swollen, especially an abnormally swollen body part or area.
A primordial elevation that develops into a fold, ridge, or process.