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Swelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swelling

[ˈswɛlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

An abnormal enlargement of a part of the body, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid.

Synonyms

enlargement, inflammation, puffiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swelling

Similar to its first mention, swelling describes the enlargement of a part of the body, usually due to fluid accumulation or injury. It is a common term in everyday language.

  • The bee sting caused immediate swelling on his hand
  • Swelling can be reduced by applying ice to the affected area
enlargement

Enlargement is often used in a medical or technical context to describe the increase in size of an organ, tissue, or something external.

  • The doctor noticed an enlargement of the thyroid gland
  • An enlargement of the photo revealed more details
inflammation

Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, and swelling. It has a medical context and often indicates a problem.

  • The inflammation in his knee caused a lot of pain
  • She was prescribed medication to reduce the inflammation in her gums
puffiness

Puffiness is typically used to describe a swollen or bloated appearance, often in the context of the face or eyes. It can be due to lack of sleep, allergies, or a mild injury.

  • She woke up with puffiness around her eyes
  • The puffiness in his face was due to an allergic reaction

Examples of usage

  • She developed swelling in her ankle after the injury.
  • The swelling in his face was a sign of an allergic reaction.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A feeling of fullness or distension.

Synonyms

distension, expansion, fullness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swelling

This term is commonly used in medical settings to describe an abnormal enlargement of a body part, typically due to an injury or infection.

  • He has a swelling on his ankle after the fall
  • The doctor examined the swelling on her arm
fullness

Usually refers to the state of being full or filled, often related to the feeling after eating or the capacity of a container. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • She felt a sense of fullness after the large meal
  • The fullness of the glass left no room for more water
distension

Typically used in a medical or biological context to describe the act of expanding or being enlarged due to internal pressure, often linked to conditions like bloating or gas.

  • The patient is experiencing abdominal distension
  • Distension of the stomach can be quite uncomfortable
expansion

More general term that can be used in various contexts such as physical growth, increase in size, or spread. It doesn't carry the negative connotation of illness or injury.

  • We are planning the expansion of our company next year
  • The universe is in a constant state of expansion

Examples of usage

  • The swelling in her heart when she saw her children playing happily.
Context #3 | Verb

medical

To become larger in size, typically as a result of an injury or inflammation.

Examples of usage

  • The bruise on his arm began to swell after a few hours.
  • The area around the cut started swelling up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Insights

  • Swelling can happen due to injuries, infections, allergies, or other health conditions, like arthritis.
  • The body's immune system sends extra fluid to an injury site, which causes the tissue to swell as part of the healing process.
  • Sometimes, swelling can indicate a serious health issue, so it's important to pay attention to other symptoms.

Artistic Representations

  • Swelling imagery is often used in poetry to evoke feelings of growth or change, reflecting the emotional journey of the writer.
  • In visual art, swelling forms can represent the natural expansion seen in living beings, depicting health or vitality.
  • Artists sometimes use the visual metaphor of swelling to illustrate conflict or tension within a narrative or character.

Psychology

  • Metaphorical uses of 'swelling' can describe emotions, such as when one feels overwhelming joy or anxiety that 'swells' within.
  • Swelling can be associated with stress responses where the body reacts physically to emotional stimuli.
  • Therapists may use the concept of swelling to help individuals recognize and articulate their feelings during therapy.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, swelling can be dramatic shorthand for injury or danger, often leading to a moment of tension.
  • Music sometimes uses 'swelling' in lyrics to describe overwhelming emotions, tapping into the sensation of feeling bigger than life.
  • The phrase 'swelling with pride' is often used in storytelling to depict characters celebrating accomplishments or emotional highs.

Origin of 'swelling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swelling' comes from the Old English word 'swellan', which means 'to grow' or 'to increase'.
  • It is related to similar words in German and Dutch, all reflecting the idea of expansion or growth.
  • Usage of 'swelling' has been traced back to the 14th century in English texts.

The word 'swelling' dates back to the late Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'swellan' meaning 'to grow, to become larger'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the concept of abnormal enlargement or distension, particularly in the medical context. The history of the word reflects the human observation and understanding of physical changes in the body, indicating signs of injury or illness.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,044 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.