English edit

Etymology edit

From bursten +‎ -ness. Compare also burstness.

Noun edit

burstenness (uncountable)

  1. (obsolete) A broken or bruised condition; brokenness; in the extract, a mass of bruises.
  2. (obsolete, medicine) A rupture; a hernia.
    • 1814?, Nicholas Culpeper, Parkins, The English Physician:
      The leaf bruised and laid to any green wound in the hands or legs, doth heal them quickly; and being bound to the throat, much helpeth the quinsy; it helpeth also ruptures and burstenness.

Related terms edit