bulk

 
Pronunciation: /bʌlk/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the mass or size of something large: residents jump up and down on their rubbish to reduce its bulk
  • large size or shape: he moved quickly in spite of his bulk
  • [count noun] a large mass or shape.
  • [as modifier] large in quantity: bulk orders of over 100 copies
  • roughage in food: potatoes supply energy, essential protein, and bulk
  • cargo in an unpackaged mass such as grain or oil: [as modifier]: the port is specially designed for the largest dry bulk vessels
  • Printing the thickness of paper or a book.
  • 2 (the bulk of) the greater part of something: the bulk of the traffic had passed

verb

[with object]
  • 1treat (a product) so that its quantity appears greater than it is: traders were bulking up their flour with chalk
  • [no object] (bulk up) build up flesh and muscle, typically in training for sporting events: he took dietary supplements to bulk up as he lifted weights
  • 2combine (shares or commodities for sale): your shares will be bulked with others and sold at the best prices available

Phrases

bulk large

be or seem to be of great importance: territorial questions bulked large in diplomatic relations

in bulk

  • 1(of goods) in large quantities and generally at a reduced price: retail multiples buy in bulk
  • 2(of a cargo or commodity) not packaged; loose: sugar is imported in bulk and bagged on the island

Origin:

Middle English: the senses 'cargo as a whole' and 'heap, large quantity' (the earliest recorded) are probably from Old Norse búlki 'cargo'; other senses arose perhaps by alteration of obsolete bouk 'belly, body'