Swollen (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ENGORGED
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Swollen (8)
- ENGORGED is the perfect 8-letter answer meaning swollen or filled beyond normal capacity.
- This term describes something that has become distended, bloated, or expanded due to an accumulation of fluid, blood, or other substances.
- In medical contexts, engorged often refers to tissues or blood vessels that are abnormally full, while in everyday usage it can describe anything excessively swollen or congested.
Why ENGORGED Fits This Crossword Clue
- The word engorged directly corresponds to the definition of swollen with precise letter count accuracy.
- When tissues become engorged, they visibly swell and enlarge beyond their typical size.
- This crossword answer works because it captures both the physical expansion and the underlying cause - an excessive filling or gorging of the affected area.
- Medical professionals frequently use this terminology to describe conditions ranging from engorged breast tissue during nursing to engorged blood vessels during inflammation.
Tips for Solving "Swollen" Crossword Clues
- Count your letters first - The number in parentheses is your primary constraint. ENGORGED fits perfectly at 8 letters, eliminating shorter alternatives like "puffy" or "tumid."
- Consider the context - Medical-themed puzzles often favor clinical terms like engorged over casual synonyms. Look at surrounding clues for hints about formality level.
- Think about word endings - Many swollen-related words end in "-ED" (engorged, bloated, swelled), which helps with crossing answers.
- Check the crossing letters - The unusual letter combination "RG" in the middle of ENGORGED can confirm your answer when matched with intersecting words.
- Look for prefix patterns - "EN-" is a common prefix meaning "to cause to be," which applies to engorged (caused to be gorged/full).
Swollen (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What does engorged actually mean?
Engorged means excessively filled or swollen with blood, fluid, or other substances. It implies fullness beyond normal capacity, often causing visible distension.
Q:Is engorged only a medical term?
While commonly used in medical contexts, engorged can describe any swollen condition. Rivers can become engorged with floodwater, or ticks become engorged after feeding.
Q:What's the difference between swollen and engorged?
Swollen is a general term for enlargement, while engorged specifically refers to swelling caused by excessive filling with fluid or blood. Engorged is more precise and clinical.
Q:Are there other 8-letter words meaning swollen?
Yes, alternatives include INFLAMED, EXPANDED, and PUFFIEST, though ENGORGED most accurately captures the sense of being filled to excess.
Q:How do I remember the spelling of engorged?
Think of "en-" (to make) + "gorge" (fill completely) + "-ed" (past tense). It literally means "made to be gorged" or overfilled.
