Definition

A condition where a part of the body becomes swollen or puffed up.

Example

The doctor examined the tumefaction on the patient's arm to determine the cause of the swelling.

Conversation

I noticed some tumefaction on my ankle after that hike we did.

Oh no! Did you twist it or something?

Yeah, I think I might have rolled it while climbing.

You should definitely ice it — swelling can be a hassle!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tumefaction → It is formed from "tumere" (Latin, meaning to swell) and "-factio" (Latin, meaning the act of making or doing). The word describes the act of swelling or the condition of being swollen.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'swelling' ('tumere') and the act of making it swell ('-factio'). This helps you remember that 'tumefaction' refers to the process of swelling.

Visually Confused Words