Home › Words › I › intumescentintumescent/ɪntjʊˈmɛsənt/intumescent · adj — that becomes swollen, especially upon exposure to heat.Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).intumescent is pronounced /ɪntjʊˈmɛsənt/.EtymologyFrom Latin intumēscēns, present participle of intumescō (“rise, swell”), from tumescō (“become inflated”).adjThat becomes swollen, especially upon exposure to heat.nounAny substance that swells on exposure to heat, thus increasing in volume and decreasing in density.e.g.“Intumescents are used in some fire protection systems.”Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).Words closest in meaningBy meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.intumescence 77% match — The process of swelling up or the condition of being swollen. vs intumescent →intumesce 73% match — To swell or enlarge (abnormally) vs intumescent →extumescence 63% match — A swelling or rising. vs intumescent →detumescent 61% match — Exhibiting detumescence; deflated. vs intumescent →tumescent 60% match — Swollen or distended with fluid, as of erectile tissue. vs intumescent →tumid 58% match — Swollen, enlarged, bulging. vs intumescent →turgescible 57% match — Able to turgesce; able to swell or become turgid. vs intumescent →tumefaction 56% match — The process or result of tumefying, swelling, or rising into a tumour. vs intumescent →