online medical dictionary | definition of bulge

1. The bilge or protuberant part of a cask.

2. A swelling, protuberant part; a bending outward, especially. When caused by pressure; as, a bulge in a wall.

3. The bilge of a vessel. See Bilge. Bulge ways.

See Bilge ways.

Origin: OE. Bulge a swelling; cf. AS. Belgan to swell, OSw. Bulgja, Icel. Bolginn swollen, OHG. Belgan to swell, G. Bulge leathern sack, Skr. Bh to be large, strong; the root meaning to swell. Cf. Bilge, Belly, Billow, Bouge.

1. To swell or jut out; to bend outward, as a wall when it yields to pressure; to be protuberant; as, the wall bulges.

2. To bilge, as a ship; to founder. "And scattered navies bulge on distant shores." (Broome)

Origin: Bulged; Bulging.

(01 Mar 1998)