billow

views updated Jun 11 2018

bil·low / ˈbilō/ • n. a large undulating mass of something, typically cloud, smoke, or steam.• v. [intr.] (of fabric) fill with air and swell outward: her dress billowed out around her. ∎  (of smoke, cloud, etc.) move or flow outward with an undulating motion: smoke was billowing from the chimney.DERIVATIVES: bil·low·y adj.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

billow

views updated May 17 2018

billow XVI. — ON. bylgja billow (Sw. bölja, Da. belge), f. Gmc. *bulʒ- *belʒ- swell; Cf. (M)HG. bulge †billow, leather bag, and BELLY.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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