[a. F. tumefaction (16th c. in Godef., Compl.), f. L. tumefac-ĕre to tumefy: see -TION.]
1. The action or process of tumefying, or state of being tumefied; swelling; swollen condition: a. as a morbid affection of some part of the body.
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 14/2. Throughe the tumefactione which therof ensueth.
1689. Moyle, Sea Chyrurg., III. iv. 108. A Tumifaction of the inward Tunicle of the Ribbs, called Plura.
1737. Bracken, Farriery Impr. (1757), II. 268. An Inflammation and Tumefaction of these Kernels.
1872. Cohen, Dis. Throat, 93. Tumefaction of the tonsils.
b. in general. rare.
1665–6. Phil. Trans., I. 287. The Progressive motion, which he fansieth to follow upon this Tumefaction.
1686. Goad, Celest. Bodies, II. vii. 249. Tumefaction is inseparable from a troubled Sea.
1837. Herschel, in Babbage, Bridgew. Treat., App. I. 237. Granting the heat, there is no difficulty in deducing expansions, disruptions, tumefactions, &c.
2. concr. A swollen part; a swelling, a tumor.
1802. Paley, Nat. Theol., ix. § 4 (ed. 2), 138. The muscles which move the toes … gracefully … disposed in the calf of the leg, instead of forming an unwieldy tumefaction in the foot itself.
1854. Marion Harland, Alone, xiv. She beheld reflected in the mirror, a tumefaction of the cheek, nearly closing one eye.
