bulbous

[ buhl-buhs ]

adjective

1. bulb-shaped; bulging.
2. having or growing from bulbs.

ˈbulbous

/ ˈbʌlbəs /

adjective

1. shaped like a bulb; swollen; bulging
2. growing from or bearing bulbs

Derived Forms

• ˈbulbously, adverb

Other Words From

• bulbous·ly adverb
• nonbul·baceous adjective
• non·bulbous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulbous¹

From the Latin word bulbōsus, dating back to 1570–80. See bulb, -ous

Example Sentences

Her right hand gripped the edge of a coffee table strewn with clutter: two lighters, a can of Coca-Cola, an ashtray containing three cigarette butts, a bulbous glass pipe, a small plastic bag.

From Los Angeles Times

He opened the five-room exhibition with a bulbous, abstract painted sculpture suspended from the ceiling that nearly filled the space.

From Los Angeles Times

After producing a ceiling lamp with a bulbous glass filament that rises from the center to evoke a water drop splashing in a pool, Beacon Custom Lighting followed with its Pond decanter.

From Seattle Times

But on his face he wore huge glasses with a bulbous nose attached.

From Literature

The physician, Dr. Denis Burkitt, a native of Ireland who called himself a bush surgeon, showed slides of bulbous tumors that emerged along the jawline and occurred in tropical African regions where rainfall was high.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bulbous
• curled
• curved
• cylindrical
• elliptical
• oval
• rounded
• spherical