Tumefaction: meaning, definitions and examples

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tumefaction

 

[ tjuːˌmɛfˈæk.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical terminology

Tumefaction refers to the process of swelling or enlargement of a body part due to abnormal accumulation of fluids, such as in inflammation or an infection. It can affect various tissues and organs in the body, leading to noticeable changes in appearance and function.

Synonyms

distension, edema, enlargement, swelling.

Examples of usage

  • The patient's leg showed signs of tumefaction after the injury.
  • Tumefaction can often be a symptom of underlying health issues.
  • The doctor noted significant tumefaction around the wound site.

Etymology

The term 'tumefaction' is derived from the Latin word 'tumefactio', which means 'swelling' or 'to swell'. The root 'tumefacere' combines 'tumere', meaning 'to swell', and 'facere', meaning 'to make'. The word has been utilized in medical contexts to describe the physiological responses of tissues or organs to various stimuli, such as inflammation or trauma. Over time, it has become a specific term to indicate a particular type of swelling, distinguishing it from general swelling associated with other processes. This specialized usage has become more prominent in modern medical literature and discourse.