tumescence
noun
tu·mes·cence
tü-ˈme-sᵊn(t)s 
tyü-
: the quality or state of being tumescent
especially
: readiness for sexual activity marked especially by vascular congestion of the sex organs
Examples of tumescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dusky figures spread across a fetid den lapse into extreme emotional states — from bewilderment to tumescence to horror and anxious, erotic oblivion.
—
Armond White, National Review, 3 Mar. 2021
Sean Hannity’s tumescence will be visible from Mars.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 25 Oct. 2017
Leigha Kato as Marcy Park wows in a number about tiger-daughter rebellion, and the popular jock Chip (Will Carlyon) layers his confidence with tender embarrassment over an unwanted tumescence.
—Jim Rutter, Philly.com, 25 Sep. 2017
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Armond White, National Review, 3 Mar. 2021
Sean Hannity’s tumescence will be visible from Mars.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 25 Oct. 2017
Leigha Kato as Marcy Park wows in a number about tiger-daughter rebellion, and the popular jock Chip (Will Carlyon) layers his confidence with tender embarrassment over an unwanted tumescence.
—Jim Rutter, Philly.com, 25 Sep. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Tumescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumescence. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tumescence
noun
tu·mes·cence
t(y)ü-ˈmes-ᵊn(t)s
: the quality or state of being tumescent
especially
: readiness for sexual activity marked especially by vascular congestion of the sex organs
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