Definition

Describing something that is swollen or puffed up, often used to refer to a part of the body or an object that has become larger than normal.

Example

The tumescent tissue indicated that there was an increase in blood flow to the area.

Conversation

Have you seen that plant in the corner?

Yeah, it looks a bit tumescent today, doesn’t it?

I wonder if it needs more water or something.

That could be it; sometimes they swell up when they're overwatered.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tumescent → It is formed from "tumescere" (Latin, meaning to swell) and the suffix "-ent" (indicating a state or condition). The word describes a state of swelling or becoming swollen, often used in a physiological context.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin root 'tumescere' which means to swell, helping you remember that tumescent refers to something that is in a state of swelling.

Visually Confused Words