bulbous
/'bʌlbəs/ Cách viết khác : (bulbaceous) /bʌl'beiʃəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Curving outward: Having a shape that swells or curves outward, often in a rounded manner.
- Shaped like a bulb: Resembling the rounded, underground storage structure of a plant, such as an onion or tulip.
Usage
The adjective "bulbous" is used to describe objects, body parts, or shapes that are round, swollen, or protrude in a convex manner. It often carries a neutral descriptive meaning but can sometimes imply an ungainly or exaggerated roundness.
Examples
- Describing a shape:
- The old-fashioned telephone had a bulbous receiver.
- The vase had a bulbous base that tapered to a narrow neck.
- Describing a body part:
- He was known for his large, bulbous nose.
- The clown wore shoes with bulbous toes.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: In botany, "bulbous" specifically describes plants that grow from bulbs.
- Tulips and daffodils are common bulbous plants.
- Architectural/Design Context: Used to describe rounded, swelling forms in design.
- The building was topped with a bulbous dome.
Variants and Related Words
- Bulb (n): The rounded plant structure or any object of similar shape (e.g., a light bulb).
- Bulbously (adv): In a bulbous manner.
- The shape swelled bulbously from the stem.
Synonyms
- Bulging: Swelling outward.
- Rounded: Having a smooth, curved shape.
- Protuberant: Sticking out; projecting.
- Globular: Shaped like a globe or sphere.
Antonyms
- Concave: Curving inward.
- Flat: Level and even; without curves.
- Sunken: Hollow or depressed.
Related Phrases/Idioms
(Note: "Bulbous" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. Its descriptive nature means it appears in literal descriptions.) - Bulbous shape: A standard phrase for describing the form. - The fungus had a distinctive bulbous shape.