n. [ L. tumescens, -entis, p.pr. of tumescere to swell up, v. incho. fr. tumere to swell. ] The act of becoming tumid; the state of being swollen; intumescence; -- applied especially to the state of swelling of the vascular tissue in the male and female sex organs when they have been stimulated to readiness for sexual intercourse. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]
a. Slightly tumid; swollen, as certain moss capsules. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]