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 1d
2 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 mass
3 : the main or greater part

— in bulk 1 : not divided into parts or packaged in separate units
2 : 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>.