What does "swelling" mean?

1. (physical enlargement) a place on your body that has become larger or rounder than usual, often because of a hit or an infection. 2. (increase in size or volume) the process of something getting bigger or fuller. 3. (growing or expanding) the action of becoming larger or more powerful.

How do you use "swelling"?

Often used with 'reduce' or 'go down' when the injury is healing.

swelling

n. · v.

US //ˈswɛɫɪŋ// UK //swˈɛlɪŋ// swelling

1 physical enlargement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

a place on your body that has become larger or rounder than usual, often because of a hit or an infection.

an abnormal enlargement or protuberance on the body, typically caused by fluid retention or inflammation.

Example

He put some ice on his ankle to help reduce the swelling after he fell.

Example

The doctor noted significant swelling around the joint, suggesting that the ligament might be torn rather than merely strained.

Usage

Often used with 'reduce' or 'go down' when the injury is healing.
2 increase in size or volume (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

the process of something getting bigger or fuller.

the act or state of increasing in size, volume, or intensity.

Example

The swelling of the river after the storm worried the local farmers.

Example

The swelling of national pride following the victory was evident in every public square across the capital.
- shrinking
- reduction

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 growing or expanding (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the action of becoming larger or more powerful.

the present participle of 'swell', describing the ongoing process of expansion or increasing in number.

Example

The crowd was swelling as more people arrived for the concert.

Example

With the ranks of the unemployed swelling to record numbers, the government faced intense pressure to reform the welfare system.
- expanding
- growing
- contracting