intumescent

adjective

in·​tu·​mes·​cent ˌin-tü-ˈme-sᵊnt How to pronounce intumescent (audio)
-tyü-
of paint
: swelling and charring when exposed to flame

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intumescent was in 1953

Rhymes for intumescent

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Browse Nearby Words

intumescence
intumescent
in tune
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Cite this Entry

“Intumescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intumescent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

intumescent

adjective
in·​tu·​mes·​cent -ᵊnt How to pronounce intumescent (audio)
: marked by intumescence
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