■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed ; past participle swollen or ~ed )
1》 become larger or rounder in size, especially as a result of an accumulation of fluid.
2》 become or make greater in intensity, amount, or volume.
■ noun
1》 a full or gently rounded form.
2》 a gradual increase in sound, amount, or intensity.
↘a welling up of a feeling.
3》 a slow, regular movement of the sea in rolling waves that do not break.
4》 a mechanism for producing a crescendo or diminuendo in an organ or harmonium.
5》 informal, dated a fashionable or stylish person of wealth or high social position.
■ adjective N. Amer. informal, dated
1》 excellent; very good.
2》 archaic smart; fashionable.
■ adverb N. Amer. informal, dated excellently; very well.
Phrases
one's head ~s one becomes conceited.
Origin
OE ~an , of Gmc origin.