intumescency
Học thuậtThân thiện
The scientist observes the intumescency of the material in the test tube over the flame.
Definition
- Noun:
- The increase in volume of certain substances when they are heated (often accompanied by release of water): This refers to the physical process where a material expands upon heating.
- Swelling up with blood or other fluids (as with congestion): This refers to a pathological or physiological condition where a body part becomes enlarged due to an accumulation of fluid.
Usage Examples
Noun (Physical Process):
- The intumescency of the baking dough was visible in the oven.
- Scientists studied the intumescency of the mineral when exposed to high temperatures.
Noun (Medical/Biological Condition):
- The intumescency of the ankle was a sign of severe inflammation.
- Nasal intumescency is a common symptom of allergies.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in specialized fields like materials science, chemistry, and medicine.
- The polymer's fire-retardant property is due to its rapid intumescency, which forms an insulating char layer.
Variants and Related Words
- Intumescence (n): The more common spelling variant with identical meaning.
- Intumescent (adj): Having the property of swelling or expanding when heated.
- Intumescent paint is used for fireproofing steel structures.
- Swelling (n): A more general synonym.
- Tumescence (n): A state of being swollen, often used in medical contexts.
Synonyms
- Swelling
- Expansion (for the heating context)
- Engorgement (for the fluid context)
- Distension
Notes on Usage
- Formality: "Intumescency" is a highly formal and technical term. In everyday language, words like "swelling" or "expansion" are preferred.
- Field-Specific: Its use almost always indicates a scientific, medical, or technical context.
The scientist observes the intumescency of the material in the test tube over the flame.
Noun
- the increase in volume of certain substances when they are heated (often accompanied by release of water)
- swelling up with blood or other fluids (as with congestion)