Main Entry:

¹bulk

Pronunciation:

\ˈbəlk also ˈbu̇lk\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, heap, bulk, from Old Norse bulki cargo

Date:

15th century

1 a: spatial dimension : magnitude b: material that forms a mass in the intestine ; especially : fiber 1d2 a: body ; especially : a large or corpulent human body b: an organized structure especially when viewed primarily as a mass of material c: a ponderous shapeless mass3: the main or greater part

— in bulk

1: not divided into parts or packaged in separate units2: in large quantities

synonyms bulk, mass, volume mean the aggregate that forms a body or unit. bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous <the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers>. mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind <a mass of boulders>. volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating <a tremendous volume of water>.