bunion

[ buhn-yuhn ]

noun

1. inflammation of the synovial bursa of the big toe, usually resulting in enlargement of the joint and lateral displacement of the toe.

bunion

/ ˈbʌnjən /

noun

1. swelling of the first joint of the big toe, which is displaced to one side. An inflamed bursa forms over the joint

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunion¹

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps alteration of bunny (obsolete) “lump, swelling,” late Middle English bony, probably alteration of Old French buigne, buyne ( French beigne ) “swelling,” of Germanic origin; beignet

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunion¹

C18: perhaps from obsolete bunny a swelling, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

There were physical benefits in addition to the relief for the bunions: He found comfort from the ground beneath him.

From Seattle Times

Twenty years ago, Joseph DeRuvo Jr. took off his shoes because of agonizing bunions.

From New York Times

Mr. Dimblewit looked very pleased indeed as he left the podium to sit back down with his foot bunion of a wife.

From Literature

I assume this is neuropathy as a result of bunion surgery and my second toe being permanently straightened several years ago.

From Seattle Times

Three years later, he was paid a "measly 500 quid" to appear as Jack Bell, a patient suffering from terrible bunions, in the second Carry On film, Carry On Nurse.

From BBC

Related Words

• abscess
• blister
• bruise
• bump
• contusion
• inflammation
• injury
• nodule
• sore
• tumor
• welt