swelling

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈswelɪŋ/
• American: SWEL-ing

Word Origin

From Old English "swellan" (to grow larger), from Proto-Germanic "swellaną"

Part of Speech

• noun (an abnormal enlargement)
• adjective (increasing in size)
• verb (present participle of "swell")

Meanings

1. (n) An abnormal enlargement or protuberance in the body caused by injury, infection, or other conditions
2. (n) The process of becoming larger or more pronounced
3. (adj) Growing or increasing in size or volume
4. (v) The action of becoming larger or expanding

Example Sentences

1. "The swelling in her ankle went down after she applied ice."
2. "There was visible swelling around his eye after the accident."
3. "The swelling crowd gathered in the town square."
4. "The river was swelling due to heavy rainfall."

Related Words

• Forms:
  • swell (v)
  • swelled (past)
  • swollen (past participle)
  • swells (3rd person)
• Synonyms:
  • inflammation
  • bulge
  • enlargement
  • distention
  • tumescence

Memory Tricks

1. Think "SWELL-ing": Something that makes things SWELL (get bigger) + ing
2. Remember the phrase "Swiss cheese is swelling" - imagine Swiss cheese expanding like a balloon
3. Connect to the word "dwelling" - just as a dwelling is a space that contains things, swelling is when something expands to contain more

Usage Note

Often used in medical contexts to describe inflammation or edema, but can also be used metaphorically to describe growth or increase in other contexts.