/ ˌdiːtjuːˈmesns; NAmE -tuː-/ noun
[ U ] ( formal ) a gradual reduction in swelling, especially in a penis that was in a state of sexual excitement
► de·tumes·cent / ˌdiːtjuːˈmesnt; NAmE -tuː-/ adjective
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: from Latin detumescere , from de- down, away+ tumescere to swell.