noun
tumescence
too-MES-uns/tuːˈmesns/
Swelling, especially from increased blood flow during sexual arousal.
The ankle's tumescence is visible as puffiness around the joint.
Etymology
The “swell” root and “begin to” suffix describe swelling as a developing process. Tumescence names that enlargement, here especially the bodily swelling associated with arousal.
In context
nocturnal penile tumescence, otherwise known as "morning wood". It turns out morning erections are part of the normal sleep cycle
More examples
- The researchers measure penile tumescence during sleep.
- Clitoral tumescence is a normal response to sexual stimulation.
- The doctor checks whether the tumescence subsides after arousal ends.
Forms
tumescence
tumescent adjective — Swollen, especially from increased blood flow.
Similar words
- swelling
- A broader, everyday term that also covers injury and inflammation.
- engorgement
- Emphasizes fullness caused by accumulated blood or other fluids.