bulb-shaped
|bulb - shaped|
/ˈbʌlbˌʃeɪpt/
rounded and tapering like a bulb
Etymology
'bulb-shaped' originates from Modern English as a compound of the noun 'bulb' and the past-participle adjective-forming element 'shaped'.
'bulb' entered English from Latin 'bulbus' (via Medieval Latin and Old French influence), while 'shape' comes from Old English/Old Norse roots ('sceap'/'skapa') meaning 'form' or 'create'; the compound 'bulb-shaped' was formed in Modern English by combining them.
Initially a literal descriptive compound meaning 'having the shape of a bulb,' the phrase has remained largely unchanged and continues to describe a rounded, swollen form that tapers.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having the form of a bulb: rounded or swollen and often tapering toward one end.
The vase had a bulb-shaped base that made it look elegant.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/19 19:13