bulge

 
Pronunciation: /bʌldʒ/

noun

  • 1a rounded swelling which distorts an otherwise flat surface: the telltale bulge of a concealed weapon
  • Military a piece of land which projects outwards from an otherwise regular line: the advance created an eastward-facing bulge in the line
  • 2 [in singular] informal an unusual temporary increase in number or size: a bulge in the birth rate

verb

[no object]
  • swell or protrude to an incongruous extent: the veins in his neck bulged (as adjective bulging) he stared with bulging eyes
  • be full of and distended with: a briefcase bulging with documents

Derivatives

bulgingly

adverb

bulgy

adjective (bulgier, bulgiest)

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French boulge, from Latin bulga (see budget). The original meaning was 'wallet or bag', later 'a ship's bilge' (early 17th century); other senses presumably derived from association with the shape of a full bag