Definition

This word describes something that swells up, particularly when it is heated.

Example

The intumescent material expanded significantly when exposed to the fire.

Conversation

I read that some materials are intumescent when exposed to heat.

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they swell up and can even char in flames.

That sounds really useful for fire safety!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Intumescent → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not or into) and "tumescere" (meaning to swell). The word describes something that swells or expands, particularly in response to heat or other stimuli.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'swells' ('tumescere') when it is 'into' ('in-') a certain condition, like heat. This helps you remember that 'intumescent' refers to materials that expand.

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