Definition of congested

The word "congested" comes from the Latin verb "congestus," meaning "pressed together." This root word can also be found in the term "congestion," which describes a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluids or swelling in bodily tissues or organs. In the late 14th century, the term congested first appeared in English, with its original meaning being "pressed together or crowded." By the early 16th century, it began to be used to describe things like traffic or crowds of people. Today, congested is commonly used to describe areas that are overcrowded or moving slowly due to an excess of traffic, as well as bodily conditions like a congested nose due to a cold or allergies. Its Latin roots continue to influence its meaning as something that is "pressed together" or "jammed," illustrating how words can evolve through their roots and be used in different contexts over time.