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bulging

 - 3 dictionary results

bulge

  [buhlj] noun, verb, bulged, bulg⋅ing.
Use bulging in a Sentence
–noun
1. a rounded projection, bend, or protruding part; protuberance; hump: a bulge in a wall.
2. any sudden increase, as of numbers, sales, or prices: the bulge in profits.
3. a rising in small waves on the surface of a body of water, caused by the action of a fish or fishes in pursuit of food underwater.
–verb (used without object)
4. to swell or bend outward; be protuberant.
5. to be filled to capacity: The box bulged with cookies.
–verb (used with object)
6. to make protuberant; cause to swell.
Origin:
1200–50; ME: bag, hump < OF < L bulga bag < Celt; cf. Ir bolg bag

Related forms:
bulg⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
4. protrude, project, stick out.

Pronunciation note:
See bulk 1 .
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To bulging
bulge   (bŭlj)   
n.  

  1. A protruding part; an outward curve or swelling.

  2. Nautical A bilge.

  3. A sudden, usually temporary increase in number or quantity: The baby boom created a bulge in school enrollment.

  4. An advantage.

v.   bulged, bulg·ing, bulg·es

v.   tr.
To cause to curve outward.
v.   intr.

  1. To curve outward.

  2. To swell up.

  3. To stick out; protrude.

  4. To be filled or overfilled: pockets bulging with coins.


[Middle English, pouch, from Old French bulge, bouge, from Latin bulga, bag, of Celtic origin; see bhelgh- in Indo-European roots.]
bulg'i·ness n., bulg'y adj.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to curve, spread, or extend outward past the normal or usual limit: a wallet bulging with money; expenses ballooning; a sail bellying in the wind; a pipe jutting from his mouth; overhanging eaves; projecting teeth; a head protruding from the window.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

bulge  (n.)
c.1230, from O.Fr. bouge "leather bag" (see budget). Sense of "swelling" is first recorded 1623. The verb is first recorded 1677. Bilge (q.v.) may be a nautical variant.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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