bunion

American  

[buhn-yuhn] / ˈbʌn yən /

noun

1. inflammation of the synovial bursa of the big toe, usually resulting in enlargement of the joint and lateral displacement of the toe.

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bunion British  

/ ˈbʌnjən /

noun

1. swelling of the first joint of the big toe, which is displaced to one side. An inflamed bursa forms over the joint

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Etymology

Origin of bunion

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps alteration of bunny (obsolete) “lump, swelling,” late Middle English bony, probably alteration of Old French buigne, buyne ( French beigne ) “swelling,” of Germanic origin; beignet

Example Sentences

DeRuvo initially decided to forgo shoes because of agonizing bunions, but he has stayed barefoot for reasons that transcend physical comfort.

From Seattle Times

Twenty years ago, Joseph DeRuvo Jr. took off his shoes because of agonizing bunions.

From New York Times

“I can still make the bunions on your feet grow to the size of boulders,” the Gran said, and the guard’s eyes went wide with fear.

From Literature

I assume this is neuropathy as a result of bunion surgery and my second toe being permanently straightened several years ago.

From Seattle Times

Three years later, he was paid a "measly 500 quid" to appear as Jack Bell, a patient suffering from terrible bunions, in the second Carry On film, Carry On Nurse.

From BBC

Related Words

• abscess
• blister
• bruise
• bump
• contusion
• inflammation
• injury
• nodule
• sore
• tumor
• welt