swelling

Multiple Entries:
  swelling    swell  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
swelling/ˈswelɪŋ/

▶noun an abnormal enlargement of a part of the body as a result of an accumulation of fluid.

■ a natural rounded protuberance.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
swell/swel/

▶verb (swells, swelling, swelled; past part. swollen or swelled)

• 1 become larger or rounder in size, especially as a result of an accumulation of fluid.

• 2 become or make greater in intensity, amount, or volume.

▶noun

• 1 a full or gently rounded form.

• 2 a gradual increase in sound, amount, or intensity.

  ■ a welling up of a feeling.

• 3 a slow, regular movement of the sea in rolling waves that do not break.

• 4 a mechanism for producing a crescendo or diminuendo in an organ or harmonium.

• 5 informal, dated a fashionable or stylish person of wealth or high social position.

▶adjective N. Amer. informal, dated

• 1 excellent; very good.

• 2 archaic smart; fashionable.

▶adverb N. Amer. informal, dated excellently; very well.

– phrases
one's head swells one becomes conceited.

– origin OE swellan, of Gmc origin.