turgescence

plural turgescences · alternative turgescency

1. countableuncountableThe act of swelling, or state of being swollen or turgescent.

   the instant turgescence is not to be taken off

   1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], 2nd edition, London: […] A[braham] Miller, for Edw[ard] Dod and Nath[aniel] Ekins, […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   If the predisposition to the disease has arisen from a plethoric state of the system, or from a turgescence in the vessels of the head, this is to be obviated by bleeding, both generally and topically, but more particularly the latter; an abstemious diet and proper exercise; and by a seton in the neck.

   1842, Gibbons Merle, John Reitch, The Domestic Dictionary and Housekeeper’s Manual: Comprising Everything Related to Cookery, Diet, Economy and Medicine. By Gibbons Merle. The Medical Portion of the Work by John Reitch, M.D., London: William Strange, 21, Paternoster Row, →OCLC, page 360, column 2

   Synonyms: tumescence, tumidity, turgidity, turgor, intumescence, inturgescence, swellage, bloatedness

2. countableuncountableEmpty magnificence or pompousness; inflation; bombast; turgidity.

   A marked tendency to affectation, to turgescence.

   1813, Monthly Review