Swell

GRE Barron TOEFL 考研

[编辑] 解释

I. verb (swelled; swelled or swollen; swelling)

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English swellan; akin to Old High German swellan to swell
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
- 1.
  - a. to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit <the population swelled>
  - b. to become distended or puffed up <her ankle is badly swollen>
  - c. to form a bulge or rounded elevation
- 2.
  - a. to become filled with pride and arrogance
  - b. to behave or speak in a pompous, blustering, or self-important manner
  - c. to play the swell
- 3. to become distended with emotion
transitive verb
- 1. to affect with a powerful or expansive emotion
- 2. to increase the size, number, or intensity of <swell the applicant pool>
Synonyms: see expand

II. noun

Date: 1606
1. a long often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves often continuing beyond or after its cause (as a gale)
2.
- a. the condition of being protuberant
- b. a rounded elevation
3.
- a. the act or process of swelling
- b.
  - (1) a gradual increase and decrease of the loudness of a musical sound; also a sign indicating a swell
  - (2) a device used in an organ for governing loudness
4.
- a. archaic an impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or display
- b. a person dressed in the height of fashion
- c. a person of high social position or outstanding competence

III. adjective