paunch
/pɔ:ntʃ/
Definition
- 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.
Noun
-
a protruding abdomen
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "paunch"
Từ có nhắc đến "paunch"
