intumescence

noun

in·​tu·​mes·​cence ˌin-tü-ˈme-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce intumescence (audio)
-tyü-
: a swollen or enlarged part of a plant or animal
also : the process of swelling up or enlarging

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin intumescere to swell up, from in- + tumescere to swell — more at tumescence

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intumescence was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near intumescence

Cite this Entry

“Intumescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intumescence. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

intumescence

noun
in·​tu·​mes·​cence -ˈmes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce intumescence (audio)
1
a
: the action or process of becoming enlarged or swollen
b
: the state of being swollen
2
: something (as a tumor) that is swollen or enlarged
intumesce intransitive verb
intumesced; intumescing
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