corpulence
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of corpulence
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word corpulentia. See corpulent, -ence
Explanation
Corpulence is a word for excessive weight. The Latin word "corpus" means "body," and corpulence is when someone has a lot of body, in other words, they’re fat. The word corpulence is old-fashioned, but it refers to something all too modern — the quality of being very overweight. This is much more than being a little overweight. One of Santa Claus' main features is his corpulence. Unfortunately, corpulence is a quality that many people have, and it poses many health risks.
Vocabulary lists containing corpulence
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Villeneuve and storyboard artist Sam Hudecki spent weeks brainstorming approaches to the Baron’s physicality, trying to convey a sense of muscularity along with corpulence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2021
He’s confined to his apartment due to his corpulence as he tries to make peace with his past and reconcile with his daughter.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 15, 2014
His color, like his corpulence, is part of the current image.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2013
If one embarks on a tour of animal corpulence, spiraling out from captivity to the wild, a seemingly growing army of rotund beasts rounds into view.
From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2012
Ben emptied one box that held ashtrays from Japan, four statues of Buddha in various postures and degrees of corpulence, six oriental silk screens, and two camel seats from Morocco.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
