Reading Theme:
Swelling Definition, Examples & Common Causes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a swollen area (Swelling)
Swelling
/ˈswɛlɪŋ/
n.
A part of your body that becomes larger and rounder than usual, often because of injury or illness.
a swollen area
➕
/ə ˈswoʊlən ˈɛriə/
n.
A part of the body that has become larger than normal due to fluid accumulation, often from injury or infection.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'swellan' meaning 'to expand or puff up'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a sponge (swell) absorbing water and growing bigger – that's a swelling.
📖 Example
After she twisted her ankle, there was a noticeable swelling around it, so she put an ice pack on it.
After she twisted her ankle, there was a noticeable swelling around it, so she put an ice pack on it.
🔗 Collocations
reduce swelling – to make the swelling smaller
swelling goes down – the swelling decreases
visible swelling – swelling that can be seen
🔄 Synonyms
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'swelling' shares roots with German 'schwellen'. In medieval medicine, swellings were often treated with leeches, reflecting ancient humoral theory.
Meaning 2：a surge (Swelling)
Swelling
/ˈswɛlɪŋ/
n.
A gradual increase in the feeling, sound, or size of something.
a surge
➕
/ə sɜːrdʒ/
n.
A growing feeling, sound, or size that gradually becomes stronger or more noticeable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
As the community worked together to clean the park, a swelling of pride could be felt among the volunteers.
As the community worked together to clean the park, a swelling of pride could be felt among the volunteers.
🔗 Collocations
swelling of pride – a growing feeling of pride
swelling of sound – gradually increasing volume
swelling of population – increase in number of people
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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