What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impostume
Example
The doctor had to drain the impostume on my leg. [impostume: noun]
Example
The wound became infected and developed into an impostume. [impostume: adjective]
swelling
Example
Her ankle was swollen after she twisted it during the game. [swollen: past participle]
Example
The medication caused swelling in her face and hands. [swelling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swelling is a more common and versatile word that is used in everyday language, while impostume is a less common and more formal term that is mainly used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impostume and swelling?
Impostume is a more formal term than swelling, which is a versatile and commonly used word that can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.