paunch

/pɔ:ntʃ/

Thân thiện

A man with a noticeable paunch sits comfortably in an armchair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A protruding abdomen; a large or noticeable belly: This is the primary meaning, referring to a person's stomach that visibly sticks out, often due to excess weight or body shape.
   • The rumen or first stomach of a ruminant animal: In zoology, it specifically refers to the large first compartment of the stomach in animals like cows and sheep.

Usage

• The word paunch is a countable noun. It is a somewhat formal or descriptive term, often used to describe a man's belly in a neutral or slightly negative way.
• It is less common in casual, everyday conversation than synonyms like "belly" or "stomach."

Examples

• Noun (Protruding abdomen):
  • The old sailor had a thick white beard and a considerable paunch.
  • Years of a sedentary lifestyle had given him a noticeable paunch.
• Noun (Animal stomach):
  • The veterinarian examined the cow's paunch for signs of bloat.

Advanced Usage

• "To develop a paunch": to begin to have a protruding stomach.
  • He started to develop a paunch after he turned forty.
• "Paunchy" (Adjective): having a paunch; potbellied.
  • He was a paunchy, middle-aged man.

Variants and Related Words

• Paunchy (adj): Having a protruding belly.
  • His paunchy figure was a result of his love for rich food.
• Paunchiness (n): The state of having a paunch.

Synonyms

• Potbelly: A large, rounded stomach (very similar in meaning and tone).
• Belly: A more general and common term for the stomach area.
• Abdomen: A formal or medical term for the belly.
• Gut: An informal, often blunt term for a protruding stomach.
• Rumen: The specific zoological term for the first stomach of a ruminant.

Antonyms

• Flat stomach
• Washboard abs (informal)

Idioms and Phrases

• "To have a paunch": This is the standard phrasing to describe someone's physical appearance.
  • Despite being a fitness trainer in his youth, he now had a paunch.
• "To be paunchy": Describes the characteristic of having a paunch.
  • The character was often portrayed as a paunchy, jovial fellow.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a protruding abdomen

Từ đồng nghĩa

• belly