← BackshareGuessintumesce/ɪntuːˈmɛs/verbTo swell up or become enlarged, especially due to heat or chemical reaction.The foam began to intumesce when exposed to the flame.Certain materials intumesce when heated, forming a protective layer.The sponge will intumesce as it absorbs water.SynonymsswellexpandinflateAntonymsshrink