congestion

plural congestions

1. The hindrance or blockage of the passage of something, for example a fluid, mixture, traffic, people, etc. (due to an excess of this or due to a partial or complete obstruction), resulting in overfilling or overcrowding.
   1. countableuncountableAn accumulation or buildup, the act of gathering into a heap or mass.

      network congestion

   2. countableuncountablemedicineBlocking up of the capillary and other blood vessels, etc., in any locality or organ (often producing other morbid symptoms); local hyperemia, active or passive.

      venous congestion

      2 more examples

      arterial congestion

      congestion of the lungs

2. An excess or accumulation of something.
   1. countableuncountableAn excess of traffic; usually not a complete standstill of traffic, so usually not synonymous with traffic jam.

      traffic congestion

      1 more example

      The crossing caused serious congestion with long traffic hold-ups, and had been a bone of contention between the local authorities and the railway for over eighty years. It was controlled from Fletton Road Junction Signalbox (removed at the same time) and, until a wheel was installed in 1920, required two gatemen on each turn of duty.

      1959 April 28, C. R. Clinker and R. A. Dane, “The Railways of Peterborough”, in Railway Magazine, page 230

   2. countableuncountablemedicineAn excess of mucus or fluid in the respiratory system; congestion of the lungs, or nasal congestion.
   3. countableuncountableEdema, water retention, swelling, enlargement of a body part because of fluid retention in tissues and vessels.