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Turgid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turgid

[ˈtɜr.dʒɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

literary description

Turgid refers to something that is swollen or distended, often used in a literary context to describe language that is overly complex or pompous. It can also describe anything that is swollen and firm, such as a plant or another physical object.

Synonyms

bloated, distended, inflated, swollen.

Examples of usage

  • The turgid prose made the novel difficult to read.
  • After the rain, the river became turgid and muddy.
  • The turgid blooms of the flower looked impressive in the garden.
Context #2 | Adjective

medical terminology

In medical terminology, turgid often describes swollen organs or tissues that are filled with fluid or gas. This term is commonly applied when discussing conditions that cause inflammation or excessive fluid retention.

Synonyms

bloated, engorged, inflated, swollen.

Examples of usage

  • The turgid state of the tissue indicated an underlying infection.
  • Doctors noted that the turgid abdomen required immediate attention.
  • Swelling in the joints can result in a turgid appearance.

Translations

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

Origin of 'turgid'

The word 'turgid' originates from the Latin word 'turgidus', which is derived from the verb 'turgere', meaning 'to swell'. Its first known use in English dates back to the late 15th century. Initially used in the context of physical swelling, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the description of language that is unnecessarily showy or inflated. The transition of 'turgid' from its original physical meaning to a more metaphorical sense reflects the development of English language over centuries, especially in literary criticism and medical terminology.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,251, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.