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swelter definition

swel·ter (swel′tər)

intransitive verb

to be or feel uncomfortably hot; sweat, feel weak, etc. from great heat

Etymology: freq. of ME swelten, to die, swoon away, faint < OE sweltan, to die < IE base *swel-, to burn > Gr heilē, sun's heat

transitive verb

  1. to cause to swelter
  2. Archaic to exude (venom or poison)

noun

  1. the condition of sweltering
  2. oppressive heat

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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